Vijzel met opschrift HENRICK TER HORST ME FECIT DAVENTRIAE ANNO 1631

About this artwork

hoogte 22,7 cm x diameter 31 cm (bovenzijde) x gewicht 28,4 kg

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Vijzel met ops HENRICK TER HOR ME FECIT DAVENTRE ANNO 1631*, a finely crafted mortar from 1631, made by Henrick ter Horst Deventer, Netherlands. Standing at 22.7 cm tall with a 31 cm diameter at the and weighing a substantial 28.4 kg, this cast metal vessel exemplifies the robust functionality and artistry of 17th-century Dutch metalwork. The inscription proudly declares, "Henrick ter Horst me in Deventer in the year 1631," a hallmark of the era's skilled artisans who signed their creations. During the Dutch Golden Age, mortars like this were essential tools in apothecaries, kitchens, and alchemical workshops, used for grinding herbs, spices, or medicines with a pestle. Ter Horst, likely a specialist founder from Deventer—a hub of trade and craftsmanship—employed casting techniques, pouring molten metal (probably bronze or brass) into molds to achieve the smooth interior and sturdy form. This method allowed for precise detailing and durability, blending utility with subtle elegance. This piece offers a tangible glimpse into everyday life and guild traditions of the time, where even practical objects bore the maker's mark as a testament to quality. A charming survivor of domestic history, it invites us to ponder the hands that shaped it nearly four centuries ago.