Bronze Mortar, Early 17th Century

A very attractive bronze mortar, early 17th century, with its original pestle, which is very rare. Based on its style and decoration, this mortar is almost certainly a product of the founder whom specialists refer to as "Master of 1603," for lack of a better name. This founder, active in the Ambert or Montbrison region in the early 17th century, used numerous decorative plaques, including the Holy Face and the female figure known as "Anne of Brittany," both of which are present on my mortar, which displays six decorative plaques. To learn more about the Master of 1603, consult the magnificent and scholarly work by Bertrand Bergbauer: "Les Mortiers Français du 15è au 18è" (French Mortars from the 15th to the 18th Century), published by Domini in 2021. Dimensions: Height 72 mm / Diameter 106 mm