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unique cast iron piece
- Thread starter BLPerkins
- Start date
Bonnie Scott
Active member
It looks like it might be a mortar and pestle. The pestle is definitely an odd shape. Or is the mortar. I am not sure which is which?
EdgarLopez
Member
Can you take in side pic,is it flat?or has ribs inside.
Sharon Shuman
Member
BLPerkins, what an interesting pair of items! Very pretty; and I hope you can find some info. on their origin and intended use.
The inside of a mortar should be rough to aid in the grinding action. Whether this piece is a m&p, not sure. But it would probably work as one.
Dan Farmer
Member
Some mortar/pestles are rough (the Mexican molcajete is extremely rough lava stone) and some are very smooth... I've seen polished stone ones, brass, etc. I guess it depends on whether the main intent is to grind or to pulverize.
This one looks like an oyster shell a bit, doesn't it?
This one looks like an oyster shell a bit, doesn't it?
Rough I would agree with, but I think the deep scallops on this piece are different. This looks to me like it's bordering on the shape of a bundt pan.
Dan Farmer
Member
Am I the only one that sees something like a gargoyle or sea serpent in this picture?
Googling that idea led me to this... I see some resemblance to this fountain, too:
http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mImZ0DzjMVQGMbkvq4yDF9Q.jpg
Googling that idea led me to this... I see some resemblance to this fountain, too:
http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mImZ0DzjMVQGMbkvq4yDF9Q.jpg
W. Hilditch
Active member
In Chinese medicine there is a herbal remedy made from crushed oyster shells called mu li. It is used to provide calcium and vitamin D to the patient. Other sea shells may also be used.
Some renditions of a dragon have a pug nose like the legs of this piece. Mortar and pestle seem to fit.
i'm not saying this it what it is, but it could be a good road to follow. That is your call.
Hilditch
Some renditions of a dragon have a pug nose like the legs of this piece. Mortar and pestle seem to fit.
i'm not saying this it what it is, but it could be a good road to follow. That is your call.
Hilditch
Dan Farmer
Member
Yes, the pug-nosed dragons are exactly what I was thinking of.
---------- Post added at 02:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 PM ----------
Am I the only one that sees something like a gargoyle or sea serpent in this picture?
https://img1.etsystatic.com/045/0/5022161/il_fullxfull.694662433_mutd.jpg
thank you, I live in ky and have no idea where there would be an antique appraiser. I am sorry I didn't know it was just for cookware. I thought it was for any form of cast iron. I do appreciate everyone's opinions and I appreciate the time you have taken to help me thanks again.