What is the purpose of a pestle and mortar?

The purpose of a mortar and pestle is to grind and mash items. In kitchens, people use them to prepare fresh herbs. Pharmacists and scientists may utilize them to break crystals and other substances into powders. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage mortar and pestle sets.

What is the best mortar and pestle?

The best mortar and pestle may vary depending upon your individual needs. This ancient kitchen accessory is not only a collector’s item but also a sturdy choice for your grinding needs. Shop a wide range of mortars and pestles on 1stDibs today.

What is the best kind of mortar and pestle?

The best kind of mortar and pestle is really a matter of preference. The most suitable option for general use would be one made from a solid stone material such as granite or marble. Shop a range of marble mortars and pestles from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Which stone is best for a mortar and pestle?

Which stone is the best for a mortar and pestle is largely a matter of personal opinion. Both granite and marble can produce durable sets. Some manufacturers also produce them out of stainless steel. You'll find a collection of antique mortar and pestles on 1stDibs.

Are mortar and pestles still used?

Yes. Mortar and pestles, which have been used since the Stone Age, are still used today by cooks, herbalists and pharmacists. The mortar is a bowl made of wood, ceramic, stone, or metal, and the pestle is a club-shaped instrument used to scrape, press and grind ingredients into the desired consistency. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern mortar and pestles from top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the best material for a mortar and pestle?

The best material for a mortar and pestle is a solid stone, such as granite or marble. The enormous weight of these stone mortars and pestles will break down the materials, and they will be able to withstand years of pounding and grinding before needing to be replaced. Shop a range of antique and vintage mortars and pestles on 1stDibs.

Are wooden mortar and pestles good?

Whether wooden mortar and pestles are good is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some people like the feel of wood or appreciate how a wooden set looks displayed in their kitchen. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of mortar and pestle sets.

English Mortar And Pestle

Lignum Vitae Furniture

Brass Mortar

Ceramic Apothecary

Late English Georgian

Large English 17th-18th Century Lignum Vitae Mortar and Pestle, England

$3,800

H 8.13 in Dm 7.5 in

Large English 17th-18th Century Lignum Vitae Mortar and Pestle, England

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

A Large 17th-18th Century Lignum Vitae English Mortar and Pestle. Lignum Vitae is one of the worlds

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century British Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Vintage English Pestle and Mortar Oversized, English 1890s

$1,890

H 10.5 in Dm 13 in

Vintage English Pestle and Mortar Oversized, English 1890s

Located in South Salem, NY

This impressive large cast iron mortar and pestle from late 19th-century England is a testament to

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Decorative Bowls

Materials

Iron

Mortar and Pestle in Pachyloba Hardwood 18th Ctr. English

$1,644

H 8.67 in Dm 7.49 in

Mortar and Pestle in Pachyloba Hardwood 18th Ctr. English

Located in Kastrup, DK

An elegant antique mortar and pestle, finely crafted from tropical hardwood, most likely pachyloba

Category

Antique 18th Century English Georgian Decorative Bowls

Materials

Hardwood

18th Century English Treen Yew Wood Mortar and Pestle

$995

H 5.25 in Dm 3 in

18th Century English Treen Yew Wood Mortar and Pestle

Located in Stamford, CT

18th century English treen mortar and pestle hand turned and carved from yew wood with the rich and

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Yew

Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Bronze, Beech, Chemist, Victorian

$715

H 8.67 in Dm 4.93 in

Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Bronze, Beech, Chemist, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, bronze and beech chemist's aid

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Mortar and Pestle Duo, English, Brass, Apothecary, Jardiniere, Georgian

$1,656

H 4.14 in Dm 5.32 in

Antique Mortar and Pestle Duo, English, Brass, Apothecary, Jardiniere, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique mortar and pestle duo. An English, polished brass apothecary dish or decorative

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Mortar and Pestle Duo, English, Ceramic, Kitchen, Apothecary, Victorian

$1,866 / set

H 5.12 in W 11.42 in D 11.82 in

Antique Mortar and Pestle Duo, English, Ceramic, Kitchen, Apothecary, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique mortar and pestle duo. An English, ceramic and beech apothecary or cookery aid

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Beech

Antique Mortar And Pestle, English, Brass Apothecary Instrument, Victorian, 1850

$843

H 3.75 in Dm 4.93 in

Antique Mortar And Pestle, English, Brass Apothecary Instrument, Victorian, 1850

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique mortar and pestle. An English, brass apothecary instrument, dating to the

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

Antique Mortar and Pestle Set, English Bronze Apothecary Grinder, Georgian, 1750

$1,354 / set

H 4.73 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in

Antique Mortar and Pestle Set, English Bronze Apothecary Grinder, Georgian, 1750

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique mortar and pestle set. An English, bronze apothecary or chemist’s grinding aid

Category

Antique 1750s British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Mortar and Pestle, English, Ceramic, Apothecary, Cookery Tool, Victorian

$761

H 4.14 in W 7.09 in D 6.89 in

Antique Mortar and Pestle, English, Ceramic, Apothecary, Cookery Tool, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique mortar and pestle. An English, ceramic and beech apothecary or cookery tool by

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Kitchen Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary, Chemist, Georgian

$1,122

H 3.55 in Dm 4.14 in

Antique Kitchen Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary, Chemist, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique kitchen mortar and pestle. An English, bronze apothecary or chemist's shop aid

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Brass, Chemist, Victorian, C.1850

$1,316 / set

H 4.53 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in

Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Brass, Chemist, Victorian, C.1850

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, brass chemist's shop aid, dating to

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Mortar & Pestle, English, Ceramic, Beech, Apothecary, Edwardian

$1,347 / set

H 5.12 in W 10.04 in D 11.23 in

Large Antique Mortar & Pestle, English, Ceramic, Beech, Apothecary, Edwardian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a large antique mortar & pestle. An English, apothecary or country kitchen grinding set in

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Beech

Antique Apothecary Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Kitchen, Chemist, C.1650

$1,560 / set

H 5.12 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in

Antique Apothecary Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Kitchen, Chemist, C.1650

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, bronze kitchen or chemist's instrument

Category

Antique 1650s British Jacobean Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Vintage Mortar And Pestle, English, Turned Walnut, Apothecary, Kitchen, C.1970

$556

H 7.68 in Dm 3.55 in

Vintage Mortar And Pestle, English, Turned Walnut, Apothecary, Kitchen, C.1970

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an vintage mortar and pestle. An English, turned walnut apothecary or kitchen aid, dating

Category

Late 20th Century British Other Serving Pieces

Materials

Walnut

Antique Tudor Rose Mortar And Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary, 17th Century

$1,656

H 3.35 in Dm 4.34 in

Antique Tudor Rose Mortar And Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary, 17th Century

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique Tudor Rose mortar and pestle. An English, bronze apothecary instrument, dating

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century British Other Serving Pieces

Materials

Bronze

Antique Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze Apothecary, Kitchen Aid, Carolean, 1670

$1,194 / set

H 4.53 in W 4.53 in D 4.53 in

Antique Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze Apothecary, Kitchen Aid, Carolean, 1670

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique mortar & pestle. An English, bronze apothecary or country kitchen aid, dating to

Category

Antique 17th Century British Charles II Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze

Antique Chemist's Mortar & Pestle, English Brass Apothecary Aid, Victorian, 1850

$875

H 4.34 in Dm 5.52 in

Antique Chemist's Mortar & Pestle, English Brass Apothecary Aid, Victorian, 1850

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique chemist's mortar and pestle. An English, brass apothecary aid, dating to the

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Apothecary Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Chemist Shop Aid, Georgian

$1,122

H 3.55 in Dm 4.53 in

Antique Apothecary Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Chemist Shop Aid, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, bronze chemist's shop aid, dating to

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Small Vintage Mortar & Pestle, English, Palmyra, Decorative Treen, Apothecary

$345

H 3.15 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 in

Small Vintage Mortar & Pestle, English, Palmyra, Decorative Treen, Apothecary

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a small vintage mortar and pestle. An English, Black Palmyra decorative treen or apothecary

Category

Mid-20th Century British More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Wood

Antique Pestle & Mortar Set, English, Brass, Chemist Shop Instrument, Victorian

$763

H 6.89 in W 4.93 in D 6.7 in

Antique Pestle & Mortar Set, English, Brass, Chemist Shop Instrument, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique pestle and mortar set. An English, brass chemist shop instrument, dating to the

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Small Antique Mortar & Pestle Duo, English, Ceramic, Beech, Cookery, Victorian

$1,075 / set

H 4.73 in W 8.08 in D 8.27 in

Small Antique Mortar & Pestle Duo, English, Ceramic, Beech, Cookery, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a small antique mortar and pestle duo. An English, ceramic and beech cooking or apothecary

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Beech

Duo Of Antique Mortars, Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary Aid, Early Georgian

$1,513

H 4.73 in Dm 5.32 in

Duo Of Antique Mortars, Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary Aid, Early Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a duo of antique mortars with pestle. An English, bronze apothecary aid, dating to the

Category

Antique Early 18th Century British Georgian Tableware

Materials

Bronze

Recent Sales

Antique English Marble Mortar & Pestle

Unavailable

Antique English Marble Mortar & Pestle

Located in South Coast, CA

Large antique English Marble Mortar with wood pestle

Category

Antique 19th Century British Jars

Materials

Marble

Three Antique English Brass Mortar and Pestle Sets

Unavailable

H 3.5 in Dm 4.5 in

Three Antique English Brass Mortar and Pestle Sets

Located in Port Chester, NY

chemist's mortar and pestle, circa 1800. Others date circa 1870.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Jars

Materials

Brass

18th Century English Brass Pestle and Mortar, circa 1750

Unavailable

H 4.5 in Dm 5.75 in

18th Century English Brass Pestle and Mortar, circa 1750

Located in Ambler, PA

18th Century English Brass Pestle and Mortar Circa 1750 Marked “G. R.”

Category

Antique 1750s British More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Brass

English Rosewood Mortar and Pestle for Snuff/Tobacco Accessories, 19th Century

Unavailable

H 5.75 in Dm 1.5 in

English Rosewood Mortar and Pestle for Snuff/Tobacco Accessories, 19th Century

Located in Woodbridge, CT

English, rosewood, mortar and pestle for snuff/ tobacco, circa 1820. 4.0" L pestle, 3.5" high

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English George III Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Rosewood

English Mortar and Pestle

Sold

H 5.75 in Dm 11 in

English Mortar and Pestle

Located in Houston, TX

Nice Mortar and Pestle from England. Most likely from a Pharmacy used to mix pharmaceutical

Category

Antique 19th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Cast Stone

Set of Three Mortar and Pestles with Nice Weight, Black Color and Varying Sizes

Sold

H 13 in Dm 8.25 in

Set of Three Mortar and Pestles with Nice Weight, Black Color and Varying Sizes

Located in Atlanta, GA

A set of three English mortars and pestles of various shapes and sizes. This set of vintage mortars

Category

20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

English Pharmacy Mortar and Pestle

Sold

H 6.75 in Dm 11.5 in

English Pharmacy Mortar and Pestle

Located in Guaynabo, PR

This large and heavy mortar is made of granite stoneware and the pestle is made of wood and

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Pottery

Materials

Stoneware

English Porcelain Mortar and Pestle #7

Sold

H 4.5 in Dm 9 in

English Porcelain Mortar and Pestle #7

Located in New Windsor, NY

Porcelain mortar and pestle. Signed on the underside with the size #7, Acid Proof, Made in England

Category

Vintage 1950s English Rustic Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paste, Porcelain

18th Century English Lignum Vitae Mortar and Pestle

Sold

H 8 in Dm 7 in

18th Century English Lignum Vitae Mortar and Pestle

Located in Greenwich, CT

Good 18th century English turned lignum vitae mortar and pestle retaining great color and of

Category

Antique 1720s English Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

English 19th Century Lignum Vitae Mortar and Pestle

Sold

H 10 in Dm 7 in

English 19th Century Lignum Vitae Mortar and Pestle

Located in Greenwich, CT

Turned lignum vitae mortar and pestle, the flared lip over three turned rings over stepped stem

Category

Antique 19th Century Jars

Small Antique Mortar and Pestle, English, Ceramic, Beech, Apothecary, Victorian

Sold

H 2.56 in W 4.53 in D 4.93 in

Small Antique Mortar and Pestle, English, Ceramic, Beech, Apothecary, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a small antique mortar and pestle. An English, ceramic and beech apothecary or cookery aid

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Beech

Large Antique Mortar and Pestle, English Ceramic, Apothecary, Cookery, Victorian

Sold

H 5.12 in W 10.83 in D 10.24 in

Large Antique Mortar and Pestle, English Ceramic, Apothecary, Cookery, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique mortar and pestle. An English, ceramic and beech apothecary or cookery aid

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Beech

Antique Turned Mortar and Pestle, English, Yew, Decorative Treen, Victorian

Sold

H 6.89 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in

Antique Turned Mortar and Pestle, English, Yew, Decorative Treen, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique turned mortar and pestle. An English yew decorative treen, dating to the late

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Yew

Antique English Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Circa 1880-1890

Sold

H 5 in Dm 4 in

Antique English Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Circa 1880-1890

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique English bronze mortar and pestle, Circa 1880-1890. Used in both household kitchens and

Category

Antique 19th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Mortar and Pestle, English, Walnut, Apothecary, Kitchen Aid, Victorian

Sold

H 13.39 in W 4.53 in D 4.53 in

Antique Mortar and Pestle, English, Walnut, Apothecary, Kitchen Aid, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique turned mortar and pestle. An English, black walnut apothecary or kitchen aid

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Tableware

Materials

Walnut

Antique Chemist's Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary, Georgian, C.1720

Sold

H 6.5 in W 6.7 in D 5.52 in

Antique Chemist's Mortar & Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary, Georgian, C.1720

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique chemist's mortar & pestle. An English, weathered bronze apothecary aid, dating

Category

Antique Early 18th Century British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

English Trade Mark M Ironstone Mortar & Pestle Apothecary Pharmacy Stone Bowl

Sold

H 5.5 in Dm 9.5 in

English Trade Mark M Ironstone Mortar & Pestle Apothecary Pharmacy Stone Bowl

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage English ironstone mortar and pestle featuring stone bowl and wood / stone pestle. Marked

Category

Mid-20th Century Rustic More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Stone

English Bronze Mortar & Brass Pestle

Sold

H 6 in Dm 6.25 in

English Bronze Mortar & Brass Pestle

Located in Southampton, NY

English Early Bronze Mortar and Brass Pestle. Most Likely 18Th Cent. Or Earlier. Useful And Great

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Medieval Jars

Massive 18th Century English Serpentine Mortar and Pestle

Sold

H 6 in Dm 7 in

Massive 18th Century English Serpentine Mortar and Pestle

Located in New York, NY

A massive 18th century English Green Serpentine stone mortar and pestle

Category

Antique Early 18th Century British George II Jars

Materials

Serpentine

Early 20th Century English Pharmaceutical Mortar with Pestle

Sold

H 5.5 in W 7.2 in D 7.2 in

Early 20th Century English Pharmaceutical Mortar with Pestle

Located in Raalte, NL

Old large English mortar nr.9 with stamper nr.7 from the 1950s and acid proof. The measurements

Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Porcelain

17th Century English Bronze Pestle and Mortar

Sold

H 4.73 in Dm 3.15 in

17th Century English Bronze Pestle and Mortar

Located in Donhead St Mary, Wiltshire

A 17th century English bronze pestle and mortar with banded detail and a great patination

Category

Antique 17th Century English Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze

People Also Browsed

19th Century Mortar & Pestle with Original Surface

$870Sale Price / set|40% Off

H 8 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in

19th Century Mortar & Pestle with Original Surface

Located in New York, NY

American, late 18th century/early 19th century wooden mortar and pestle. The urn shaped mortar with rich patina has a wonderful warmth and feel. The base being ergonomically correct ...

Category

Antique 1790s Federal Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Maple, Wood

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English Mortar And Pestle For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the English mortar and pestle you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, ceramic and hardwood, every English mortar and pestle was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without an English mortar and pestle — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. An English mortar and pestle is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Victorian, folk art and Georgian styles are sought with frequency.

How Much is an English Mortar And Pestle?

The average selling price for an English mortar and pestle at 1stDibs is $993, while they’re typically $319 on the low end and $17,865 for the highest priced.