Antique French Marble Mortar & Pestle | Provencal Silhouette | 18th Century
Found at a lovely summertime brocante in Bonnieux, this antique French marble mortar and its turned wooden pestle are just a delight to be around. The mortier en marbre has been carved from a single block of cream marble with the four projecting ear handles that are typical of Provencal kitchen work.
You can see the natural dark veining running through the stone and the deep ochre staining that has soaked into the marble over generations of grinding garlic, herbs and pistou. The upper edges have been worn smooth from being lifted and held by many hands across many years. The corners where the lobes meet the body have rounded over, the kind of erosion that only comes from centuries of use.
The bowl is deep, the rim is thick, and the marble carries the kind of soaked-in patina that only comes from a working kitchen. This antique marble mortar and pestle paired together would have been on the counter daily, used for everything from aioli to tapenade to the Friday night pistou. The wooden pestle is turned with two simple incised rings near the head and shows the darkened, polished surface you get from decades of being held.
A piece like this is special and you can see that it has been in loving hands for centuries. The four-eared lobed silhouette is the textbook Provencal look that is welcomed in any kitchen. This antique French mortar will sit as a statement piece on any countertop and loves to be paired with antique copper or set on an antique wooden cutting board.
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USA Pricing Information: Price includes duties, tariffs, customs, and shipping — no extra fees.
Antique French Marble Mortar & Pestle | Provencal Silhouette | 18th Century
All the details you love
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.
- Professionally packed for the utmost protection.
- Scheduled for pickup with a trusted shipping partner.
We don’t rush this step and it’s the extra time that makes sure your piece arrives exactly as expected, without damage or worry on your end.
For you, it means peace of mind: your item is in safe hands from the moment you click “purchase” until it’s at your door.
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.
Carefully Prepared
Every piece is inspected, cleaned when necessary and professionally packed before it leaves Provence.
Thoughtfully Received
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.