Stamper van brons met nodus 1676

This bronze pestle with nodus was made around the second half of the 17th century, and is attributed to Gerhard Schimmel. Bronze is an alloy, typically of copper and tin, which gives a sense of robust, everyday utility. It's a far cry from rare materials like gold or silver. The making of this pestle likely began with casting, a process that involved pouring molten bronze into a mold. Once cooled, the object would have been removed and finished with hand tools. The smooth, even surface suggests a skilled artisan who understands the properties of the material. Consider the repetitive action this tool would have been used for: grinding and crushing spices or medicines. It speaks to a culture where labor was manual, and objects were valued for their functionality and durability, rather than their decorative qualities. It challenges our traditional understanding of art and prompts us to recognize value in the intersection of craft, design, and the everyday.