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A large, heavy ceramic mortar and a composite pestle. The mortar is of thick-walled construction with a deep bowl and a cream-coloured glaze. The pestle features a matching glazed ceramic grinding head and a turned wooden handle with a rounded pommel. On the exterior wall of the mortar, there is a handwritten inventory or studio mark in black ink, consisting of a short vertical stroke above a script character resembling a 7 or y. No impressed factory marks are visible. The set displays characteristic evidence of use in an artist’s studio, including splatters of dried blue, yellow, and orange pigment on the rim and exterior. The interior of the bowl shows concentric wear patterns and deep staining from previous grinding. This style of equipment was commonly produced by British utilitarian potteries throughout the 19th and 20th centuries for use in pharmacies and artist studios.
Condition report:
The items are in a used, as-found condition. The interior of the mortar bowl exhibits heavy staining and grinding wear consistent with extensive use. There are numerous splashes of pigment and surface scuffs across the exterior. The wooden handle of the pestle shows a dark patina and minor surface abrasions. No structural cracks or significant chips were detected during inspection.
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