Lot 533 Dα

A magnificent French ribbed mortar with animal motifs

Golden brown cast bronze with shimmering patina. Of squat, tapering form with a slightly inclined base and rounded flaring rim. With six baluster-form ribs, three with and three without mascarons, alternating with panels of two finely rendered plaques depicting swans, dogs, and crocodiles (?). The rim with a fleur-de-lys border. A crack to the base, old repairs to the interior. H 10.7, D 17 cm. Weight c. 3.6 kg.
Mid-16th century.