002.352.Idrija

Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija

Public

Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija

510:IDR;ZG-940

Mine, Knowledge, social care

A solid bronze mortar has two side handles and ornamented flower decorations. It has a rounded bottom inside. Both ends of the pestle have a semi-circular shape. Notches used as a measuring device have been carved into the pestle. It is fitted with the numbers 1 and 2.

Mortar: Length 14.5 cm, width 17.5 cm, height 14.6 cm; Pestle: length 25 cm, width 4.5 cm, height 4.5 cm.

Bronze

18th century.

Manufacturer information is not known.

The rounded bottom of the mortar enables easier crushing and grinding of hard particles. The pestle was an integral and indispensable part of handling with a mortar. It was allegedly used right here in Idrija as it is said to form part of the legacy of the Freyer apothecary, which was operational in Idrija in the 18th century. The House of Freyer (Ernest, Karel, Henrik) originates from the Czech Republic and was famous for the endeavours of its various members in the field of natural sciences, botany as well as alchemy.

The mortar and pestle are being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the historical collection of Idrija Municipal Museum. Visitors can view it within the permanent museum display “Tracing Mercury: Idrija-Almadén”. They can also be used for different types of mercury heritage promotions.

The Smelting Plant of the Idrija Mercury Mine.

Idrija Municipal Museum, Gewerkenegg Castle (Tracing Mercury: Idrija-Almadén, showroom 1).

The objects are in good condition, but signs of use are visible. The objects are properly conserved. Additional interventions are not necessary. Security of the premises is ensured.

good

Regular seasonal maintenance.

- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum.

Mestni muzej Idrija

Miha Kosmač

15. 3. 2018

Never