Small Apothecary's Mortar – Puy-en-velay – Early Period – Master Of The Seal Ramousse

Circa 1620 – First half of the 17th century France – Auvergne – Workshop of Master Ramousse. A copper alloy (bronze) mortar, truncated conical in shape with a thick rim, decorated in relief with rosettes, fleurs-de-lis, and architectural ornamental motifs arranged in vertical registers punctuated by stylized arcades. The piece displays a decorative vocabulary characteristic of early 17th-century Auvergne production, blending royal symbolism, ornamental tradition, and medieval survivals. Attributable to Master Ramousse, a founder active in Auvergne around 1620, this mortar belongs to the corpus of symbolically decorated pieces produced in his workshop. It was intended for use in apothecaries, for the preparation of medicinal substances, both mineral and plant-based. The deep and even internal wear attests to actual and prolonged use. The original pestle is preserved, with a patina perfectly consistent with the rest of the set. Condition: Beautiful antique patina, even wear consistent with age, no structural damage. Dimensions: Mortar height 8 cm – Neck opening 11 cm – Pestle length 15.5 cm. Shipping: Exclusively via DHL Express, secure packaging, tracking, and insurance.