Outstanding Lignum Vitae Mortar and Pestle

Circa 2nd Half 18th Century: Lignum vitae, one of world's heaviest and densest woods, is native to the Caribbean and South America's northern coast and was imported to Britain for a number of uses, including mallets, cricket balls, and mortars and pestles. This exuberantly turned English mortar and pestle is signed J. Salsbury on both pieces, showing that both pieces have been together since their inception. The mortar is 7.5" tall, the pestle 10.75" in length. Condition is excellent with the mortar having various typical minor nicks and a split in the bottom that doesn't go through and the pestle having a minor age split. We have never seen another mortar and pestle with such dynamic turning, and the surface is absolutely original with a superb dark patina that only 250 years of aging can give. Finally, this mortar and pestle comes from Elliot and Grace Snyder, two of the most legendary antiques dealers in the business, and has their impeccable stamp of approval. It doesn't get any better than this.