18th Century Bell Shaped French Bronze Mortar With Pestle, Inscribed Pe Amet

Mortars, such as this bell-shaped bronze one from the 1700s, were used in kitchens of grand chateaux in France. They could also be found in apothecaries, where pharmacists would use the pestle to crush herbs into medicinal powders. Adding a touch of intrigue to this particular mortar is the large inscription above the base that reads “PE AMET”. The bronze has a golden-brown hue, as does the accompanying pestle, which has a protruding ring in the center. Our French bronze mortar and pestle would make a wonderful decorative bowl in the kitchen, bar area, or living room.