Mortar
MakerAttributed to
Abraham Mead
(American, 1742 - 1827)
Original OwnerOriginally owned by the
Mead family
(American)
Dateabout 1790
MediumWheel-thrown salt-glazed stoneware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 6 x 5 1/8 x 4 3/4in. (15.2 x 13 x 12.1cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1991.58.4
DescriptionRound, grey, stoneware mortar with a green-tinted salt glaze. The mortar sits on a flat, disc-shaped base that narrows about one half inch before forming thick, cylindrical sides that rise to a plain rim. The mortar is decorated with bands of raised lines on the lower and top quarter of the exterior sides and base.
The pestle that was once used with this mortar is missing. Additionally, the mortar has sustained heavy damage. There is a hole in the bottom inside of the mortar, which is associated with a large area of loss on the bottom of the mortar. Some of the sides of this area are glazed, suggesting that there were gouges in the bottom of the mortar prior to additional damage associated with the hole on the inside of the mortar. There are at least three additional chips on the foot, as well as a large area of loss on the rim of the mortar. The clay on the edge of this break is smooth, and may be glazed, suggesting that this could be an original design feature of the mortar. A thick line of an unknown brown substance has dripped down from the rim to the side of the mortar.
The pestle that was once used with this mortar is missing. Additionally, the mortar has sustained heavy damage. There is a hole in the bottom inside of the mortar, which is associated with a large area of loss on the bottom of the mortar. Some of the sides of this area are glazed, suggesting that there were gouges in the bottom of the mortar prior to additional damage associated with the hole on the inside of the mortar. There are at least three additional chips on the foot, as well as a large area of loss on the rim of the mortar. The clay on the edge of this break is smooth, and may be glazed, suggesting that this could be an original design feature of the mortar. A thick line of an unknown brown substance has dripped down from the rim to the side of the mortar.
Status
Not on view
Dr. Cyrus Pendleton
Dr. Cyrus Pendleton
