Antique French Wooden Mortar and Pestle | Hand-Carved Farmhouse Mortier | Late 18th to Early 19th Century
I would call this somewhat of a primitive Antique French Mortar... every cut mark is still there and it feels old in the best possible way. It is heavy, useful, a little irregular and completely connected to the kind of French farmhouse kitchen where if you couldn't afford a marble mortar, you made one out of wood.
This mortier en bois, or wooden mortar, was likely made in the late 18th to early 19th century. It was carved from a single block of hardwood. No joinery, no hardware. Just one solid piece, shaped by hand for daily use.
The exterior is covered in tool marks, giving the surface that wonderful faceted texture. No two sides are the same, and that is exactly what gives the mortar so much personality.
The interior has darkened from long use, with a smooth worn bowl where herbs, salt, garlic, spices or nuts may have been pounded over generations. The accompanying wooden pestle is a later companion, turned from a lighter-toned wood and paired with the mortar somewhere along the way, as often happened with working kitchen tools that stayed in use for many years.
Today, it would be beautiful on a kitchen counter beside old cutting boards, pottery, linen and a few cloves of garlic. I would treat it mainly as a decorative and collectible kitchen piece now, but it still carries all the feeling of what it was made for: simple food, strong hands, and the slow practical rhythm of a French country kitchen.
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USA Pricing Information: Price includes duties, tariffs, customs, and shipping — no extra fees.
Antique French Wooden Mortar and Pestle | Hand-Carved Farmhouse Mortier | Late 18th to Early 19th Century
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How long does it take to process an order?
Each order is carefully prepared to ensure it arrives safely and beautifully. Processing typically takes 2-4 business days. During this time, your item is:
- Checked one last time.
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- Scheduled for pickup with a trusted shipping partner.
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Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship worldwide from France, with a few exceptions (Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and China due to customs restrictions).
We regularly ship to the United States, Canada, all EU Countries, Korea and Japan, where French antiques and vintage kitchenware are especially appreciated.
Orders to these destinations are handled with extra care and shipped with trusted carriers to ensure safe and timely delivery.
If you’re in Hong Kong, Singapore or Taiwan, we also ship there.
Are returns or exchanges accepted?
We accept returns within 14 days of delivery in line with EU consumer law. Buyer covers return shipping and items must be returned in original condition. Refunds include the item price and original standard shipping.
We do not offer exchanges.
For more details, please see our Returns Policy.
Authenticity & Condition
Every piece is a genuine French or European antique or vintage find that has been carefully sourced in Provence and beyond.
We provide detailed photos and descriptions so you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
Signs of age such as patina or gentle wear are part of each item’s story and authenticity. They are not flaws but the character that makes antiques unique. If a piece has notable damage or restoration, we always state it clearly.
Our goal is to save you time and worry. When your order arrives, it matches what you saw online... authentic, original and ready to enjoy.
From Provence to Your Door
Rooted in Provence
A modern operation working at the slower pace of the South of France, with every piece chosen one at a time.
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Every piece is inspected, cleaned when necessary and professionally packed before it leaves Provence.
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Shipping, customs and duties are handled in advance for United States customers. The experience is seamless.
Living with Provence
Every one of our items is a piece of French history looking to find its place and start its next chapter in your home.
