Mortars and Pestles

The mortar, the symbol of the apothecary, is arguably the oldest of all pharmaceutical equipment. Mortars are made from a variety of materials, including bronze, marble, wood, brass, glass and stone. Apothecaries would have numerous mortars and pestles of various sizes and materials in their shops for different tasks: large mortars were used for bulk material, smaller mortars for grinding fine powders

The majority of the mortars in the Bristol-Myers Squibb European Apothecary collection are made from bronze, an alloy composed of copper and tin. Bronze is sometimes referred to as bell metal, as it was often used in the manufacture of bells for monasteries and churches. Heavy and highly ornamented bronze mortars were made as early as the 12th century, eventually falling out of favor with the introduction of porcelain mortars in 1779 by Josiah Wedgwood.

The earliest mortars in the collection resemble tankards with vertical Gothic ribs. Mortars from the 16th and 17th centuries are elaborately decorated with horizontal decorative bands of flowers and geometric-designs; inscriptions; heraldic shields; and figures of people, animals and insects.

Several of these early mortars have been analyzed with an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer in order to determine their composition. The results are recorded within the descriptions of the individual mortars.

In 1983 Dutch pharmaceutical historians Wolfgang-Hagen Hein and D. A. Wittop Koning visited the collection. After assessing the collection both Hein and Koning wrote letters to the curatorial staff commenting on issues regarding the provenance and the authenticity of mortars and drug jars. Their conclusions have been added to the catalogued descriptions, along with those of the original cataloguer George Urdang.

Cast bronze mortar with bell-shaped mouth and small single semi-circular applied handle with a larger ring. The mortar has a cast cross and six vertical ribs extending from the neck to the end of the waist. It appears the mortar was painted black at one time.
Description
Cast bronze mortar with bell-shaped mouth and small single semi-circular applied handle with a larger ring. The mortar has a cast cross and six vertical ribs extending from the neck to the end of the waist. It appears the mortar was painted black at one time. Urdang attributes this mortar to 16th century Spain.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 16th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0102
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05655
collector/donor number
SAP 367
This bronze mortar has a flared rim, beaker-shaped body with six vertical gothic style ribs and a twisted applied handle. A hand written note placed inside mortar reads, "Probably Spanish/ 16th c./ or french".
Description
This bronze mortar has a flared rim, beaker-shaped body with six vertical gothic style ribs and a twisted applied handle. A hand written note placed inside mortar reads, "Probably Spanish/ 16th c./ or french". Urdang catalogued this mortar as Germanic, early 15th century.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0088
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05641
collector/donor number
SAP 353
Wide mouth mortar with two dolphin handles applied at the waist. The body of the mortar has two bands of rosettes, leaves, vines and the profile of a mans face. The brass mortar has rounded ends. Urdang attributes this mortar to 17th century France.Currently not on view
Description
Wide mouth mortar with two dolphin handles applied at the waist. The body of the mortar has two bands of rosettes, leaves, vines and the profile of a mans face. The brass mortar has rounded ends. Urdang attributes this mortar to 17th century France.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0112.01
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05665.01
collector/donor number
SAP 377
catalog number
1991.0664.0112.01
Beaker-shaped mortar with two knob handles. The body of the mortar has incised lines Marked "ANNO 1783". Based on the decoration of the mortar, Urdang felt this mortar was made within the in Germanic territory.Currently not on view
Description
Beaker-shaped mortar with two knob handles. The body of the mortar has incised lines Marked "ANNO 1783". Based on the decoration of the mortar, Urdang felt this mortar was made within the in Germanic territory.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1783
ID Number
1991.0664.0136
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 401
catalog number
1991.0664.0136
M-05689
Mortar with applied molded insects, vase with flowers, a medallion and incised lines circling the body. The mortar has one dolphin handle applied at the waist. The insects include a grasshopper and a bee.
Description
Mortar with applied molded insects, vase with flowers, a medallion and incised lines circling the body. The mortar has one dolphin handle applied at the waist. The insects include a grasshopper and a bee. Two lion heads and a larger oval medallion depicting Christ on the cross are flanked by two figures. The mortar has two bulbous ends.
Urdang goes into detail about this mortar which he attributes to 17th century Germany. In the Squibb ancient Pharmacy Catalogue he writes, "Mortars of this kind with bas-relief decoration of crucifixion group, small animals, bees, grasshoppers, etc., originated in the workshops of Hans Daurnhauser and of Caspar Dietrich at Ingolstaedt.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0130
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05683.01
collector/donor number
SAP 395
catalog number
1991.0664.0130
Blown and molded glass mortar and pestle. The mushroom-shaped handles were blown and applied at the waist. The base of the mortar has three graduated disks of glass, the widest disk is at the bottom.
Description
Blown and molded glass mortar and pestle. The mushroom-shaped handles were blown and applied at the waist. The base of the mortar has three graduated disks of glass, the widest disk is at the bottom. The mouth of the mortar is flared and has four horizontal ribs.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0083.01
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05636
1991.0664.0083.01
1991.0664.0083.02
collector/donor number
SAP 348
A cast bronze beaker-shaped mortar with a flared mouth and wide rim. Four vertical ribs on the body terminate at the base with paw-like feet. The square-shaped handle is applied to the body.Urdang attributes this mortar to the late 15th century Germany.
Description
A cast bronze beaker-shaped mortar with a flared mouth and wide rim. Four vertical ribs on the body terminate at the base with paw-like feet. The square-shaped handle is applied to the body.
Urdang attributes this mortar to the late 15th century Germany. In the catalogue he writes, "The tall slender form and the lion paws ...are characteristic for this period of German Gothic mortars."
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0089
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05642
collector/donor number
SAP 354
Cast bronze mortar with two applied handles at the waist of the vessel. Flowers and leaves scattered around the waist sit above six vertical bands just above the foot of the mortar. The decoration is worn down.
Description
Cast bronze mortar with two applied handles at the waist of the vessel. Flowers and leaves scattered around the waist sit above six vertical bands just above the foot of the mortar. The decoration is worn down. Urdang attributes this mortar to 15th century France.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0094
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05647
collector/donor number
SAP359
Gothic-style bronze mortar with flared mouth and four vertical ribs in a "tears" pattern extending out from just below the neck to the bottom of the mortar. Urdang attributes this mortar to 15th century France.Currently not on view
Description
Gothic-style bronze mortar with flared mouth and four vertical ribs in a "tears" pattern extending out from just below the neck to the bottom of the mortar. Urdang attributes this mortar to 15th century France.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0096
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05649
collector/donor number
SAP 361
Bronze (possibly bell metal) mortar with a wide mouth, two handles in the shape of animals extend out from the center of the body.
Description
Bronze (possibly bell metal) mortar with a wide mouth, two handles in the shape of animals extend out from the center of the body. Serpents, raised ring moldings at the neck, six crude baluster columns at the waist,shields decorated with fleur-de-leis, and the face of a man are randomly scattered around the body of the mortar. Urdang believed this mortar to be French.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0098
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05651
collector/donor number
SAP 363
This cast bronze mortar has a flared mouth and a single semicircular applied handle. A metal ring encircles the handle. A vine motif decorates the rim, and six vertical ribs and a stylized floral medallion decorate the waist.
Description
This cast bronze mortar has a flared mouth and a single semicircular applied handle. A metal ring encircles the handle. A vine motif decorates the rim, and six vertical ribs and a stylized floral medallion decorate the waist. The body of the mortar has a severe crack.
Urdang believed this mortar tp be of 16th-century Greek origin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 16th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0101
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
1991.0664.0101
M-05654
collector/donor number
SAP 366
Short, squat-shaped, brass mortar with wide mouth. Four baluster columns alternate between four stylized flowers.
Description
Short, squat-shaped, brass mortar with wide mouth. Four baluster columns alternate between four stylized flowers. The band of writing just below the mouth is mostly illegible, except for the Roman numeral "MDCCXXXIII." Urdang believed this mortar to be from Spain.
Testing with a X-Ray floesence spectrometer indicates the chemical composition of this mortar is about 81% copper, 14% Zinc, 3% tin, 2 % lead and trace metals.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1773
ID Number
1991.0664.0106
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05659
collector/donor number
SAP 371
Cast short squat mortar with a flared rim decorated with dots. The body of the mortar has full length figures separated by fish, busts, fleur-de-lis, and flowers.Urdang attributes the mortar to 16th century France and the bust to the French King Henry IV.Currently not on view
Description
Cast short squat mortar with a flared rim decorated with dots. The body of the mortar has full length figures separated by fish, busts, fleur-de-lis, and flowers.
Urdang attributes the mortar to 16th century France and the bust to the French King Henry IV.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0111
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05664
collector/donor number
SAP 376
catalog number
1991.0664.0111
This bell-shaped eide mouth bronze mortar has five vertical gothic-style ribs at the waist. A single semi-circular is applied at the waist.Urdang catalogued this mortar as Germanic, early 15th century.Currently not on view
Description
This bell-shaped eide mouth bronze mortar has five vertical gothic-style ribs at the waist. A single semi-circular is applied at the waist.
Urdang catalogued this mortar as Germanic, early 15th century.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0087
catalog number
M-05640
accession number
1991.0664
collector/donor number
SAP 352
Gothic beaker-shaped body with a squareish handle and flared mouth. There are five tapering vertical ribs on the body which terminate in paw feet.Urdang believes this mortar to be of Germanic origin from the 15th century.
Description
Gothic beaker-shaped body with a squareish handle and flared mouth. There are five tapering vertical ribs on the body which terminate in paw feet.
Urdang believes this mortar to be of Germanic origin from the 15th century. Testing with an X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer was unable to conclusively determine the type of metal used in the manufacture of this mortar.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0091
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05644
collector/donor number
SAP 356
Gothic-style, beaker-shaped bronze mortar with an applied square handle and three vertical ribs. The ribs extend from a horizontal rib just below the neck to a horizontal rib just above the base of the vessel.
Description
Gothic-style, beaker-shaped bronze mortar with an applied square handle and three vertical ribs. The ribs extend from a horizontal rib just below the neck to a horizontal rib just above the base of the vessel. Urdang believed this mortar to be of Germanic origin of the late 15th century.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0092
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05645
collector/donor number
SAP 357
Squat mortar with flared rim, tapering vertical ribs and a single handle with a ring attached.Urdang attrributes this mortar to 15th century France.Currently not on view
Description
Squat mortar with flared rim, tapering vertical ribs and a single handle with a ring attached.
Urdang attrributes this mortar to 15th century France.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0095
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05648
collector/donor number
SAP 360
catalog number
1991.0664.0095
Short, squat, cast bronze mortar with a flared mouth. Four buttress columns alternate between the head of a woman. Urdang suggests the mortar is 16th century spanish and that the face is that of Medusa.Currently not on view
Description
Short, squat, cast bronze mortar with a flared mouth. Four buttress columns alternate between the head of a woman. Urdang suggests the mortar is 16th century spanish and that the face is that of Medusa.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 16th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0104
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05657
collector/donor number
SAP 369
Short, squat-shaped, bronze mortar with a flared mouth. Four buttress columns alternating between four shields. The shields are coats of arms which are divided into three sections, a crown sits atop each shield and two castles above a running animal.
Description
Short, squat-shaped, bronze mortar with a flared mouth. Four buttress columns alternating between four shields. The shields are coats of arms which are divided into three sections, a crown sits atop each shield and two castles above a running animal. The exterior surface between the neck and the foot has a sandpaper-like quality.
Urdang attributes this mortar to 16th century Spain.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 16th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0105
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05658
collector/donor number
SAP 370
catalog number
1991.0664.0105
One of the larger mortars in the collection, this bronze cast crushing device sits on a turned wooden base. It has a wide flayed mouth and an elaborately molded body with raised horizontal rings and bands of flowers and vines.
Description
One of the larger mortars in the collection, this bronze cast crushing device sits on a turned wooden base. It has a wide flayed mouth and an elaborately molded body with raised horizontal rings and bands of flowers and vines. Marked in applied bands on the upper body, "LI DONNA TIDELL AQVILA . M AP I754". Urdang catalogued this mortar as Italian in origin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1754
ID Number
1991.0664.0140
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05693
collector/donor number
SAP 405
Beaker-shaped mortar with a flaring mouth has five buttress-like ribs alternating between oval medallions decorated with a woman's face. The exterior portion of the flared mouth has a band of stylized stars.
Description
Beaker-shaped mortar with a flaring mouth has five buttress-like ribs alternating between oval medallions decorated with a woman's face. The exterior portion of the flared mouth has a band of stylized stars. The pestle has a T-shaped handle.
Urdang catalogued this mortar as Italian. Yet in a hand written note found in the mortar Dr. Kisel suggests the mortar is Spanish. Wittop Koning also thought the mortar to be Spanish.
Interestingly a partial round blue and white paper label glued to the interior of the mortar is marked (Printed and hand written) "VILLE DE .../M A. Ritten.../ notaire/ a Strasbourg/ I/I EXPOSITION DR DINANDE"
The material that the mortar is made from has a silver-pewter cast typical. The pestle has golden tone and is probably not original to the mortar.
Medieval Dinant (also spelled Dinand) and Bouvignes specialized in metalwork, producing finely cast and finished objects in a silvery brass alloy, called dinanderie Their metal ware was exported throughout Western Europe and England.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0109
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05662
collector/donor number
SAP 374
Beaker-shaped mortar with flaring mouth. Six gothic-style vertical ribs extend from the neck to the base of the mortar. At the waist is a small rope-style handle with a rusty hammered ring looped through the handle.
Description
Beaker-shaped mortar with flaring mouth. Six gothic-style vertical ribs extend from the neck to the base of the mortar. At the waist is a small rope-style handle with a rusty hammered ring looped through the handle. Urdang attributes this mortar to 16th century Spain.
Analysis of the metal July 15th, 2009 using a X-Ray Florescence Spectrometer indicates the forged ring attached to the handle is predominantly iron. However, the analysis of the mortar was inconclusive and could not definitively determine its composition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 16th century
ID Number
1991.0664.0103
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05656
collector/donor number
SAP 368
Beaker-shaped mortar with a flaring mouth and two square handles. The sole ornamentation is the raised numerls 1575 at the waist.Urdang believed this mortar to be made from bronze.
Description
Beaker-shaped mortar with a flaring mouth and two square handles. The sole ornamentation is the raised numerls 1575 at the waist.
Urdang believed this mortar to be made from bronze. However, testing with a X-Ray Florescence Spectometer July 15, 2009 reveals a lower precentage of copper and tin indicating the mortar is possibly made from brass and not bronze.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1575
ID Number
1991.0664.0099
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05651
collector/donor number
SAP 364
Carved stone mortar in two parts. The bottom portion of the mortar has two projecting handles and a carved circular bowl for the product. The bottom of the bowl has a triangular patter sectioned into quarters and an open shaft or spout where the finished product can flow out.
Description
Carved stone mortar in two parts. The bottom portion of the mortar has two projecting handles and a carved circular bowl for the product. The bottom of the bowl has a triangular patter sectioned into quarters and an open shaft or spout where the finished product can flow out. The second piece is a round carved donut-shaped stone which fits into the bowl. It has the same carved geometric pattern on the bottom. Turning the top stone causes the abrasion from the carved triangular pattern to pulverize the material and subsequently pour out of the spout. Urdang states this mortar was found in France and dates from the 8th century.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0664.0142
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-05695
collector/donor number
SAP 407

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