Pestle
Medium
Decorative Arts
Classification
Decorative Arts
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.303.2
Art Historical Context
This pestle, part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s decorative arts holdings, transforms an everyday tool into an object of aesthetic interest. Traditionally paired with a mortar for grinding herbs, spices, or pigments, the pestle here is valued for its form and craftsmanship rather than solely its practical use. Its presence in the collection underscores how functional items from daily life can embody broader artistic traditions. Donated by noted collector John Gellatly, the work reflects the museum’s dedication to preserving American decorative arts across periods and makers. Althoug...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –