Lot 579: An Antique Ceramic Apothecary Mortar and Pestle

A large antique pharmaceutical or laboratory mortar and pestle set. The mortar is of heavy stoneware construction with a cream-coloured unglazed finish, featuring a wide bowl with a single pouring lip and a footed base. The accompanying pestle is of two-part construction, comprising a ceramic grinding head and a dark-stained turned wooden handle with a rounded pommel. The ceramic head of the pestle bears an impressed mark including a capital letter D and a numeral 1 near the joint.