S/2777 Antique Treen 18th Century Beech Poker Work Decorated Searce

A lovely 18th century beech searce, having rare poker work decoration. The bowl has a carved pie crust edge and holes to the centre in a circular pattern. The whole is raised on a conical base with two incised lines and fine pole lathe turnings. The base appears to be fixed and does not unscrew. A really decorative item that has a lovely colour and patination.

These items were used by apothecaries to sieve the powder before making it into a paste for pills. It is then placed underneath a pill rounder to obtain the correct shape and finally silvered.

Sold 2 in. (5 cm.) High
4½ in. (11.5 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1780