Indian Bezoar in silver mounting 17th century

Indian Bezoar in silver mounting 17th century

Stock Number: 440301 B

Price on application

Dimensions

Diameter approximatly 7 cm.

Circa

17th century

Country of manufacture

Other

Categories: Medicine, Pharmacy & Chemists, Quack Medicine

Description

This Bezoar stone is mounted in a silver frame, it was probably made in India in the 17th century. A bezoar is a clump of undigested matter of often hair and plant fibers, found in the digestive systems of animals, including humans. This specimen likely originated from a horse or camel. Bezoar stones were once thought to possess universal antidotal properties against poisons, deriving its name from the Persian word “pãd-zahr” meaning ‘antidote’. While not a cure-all, it did exhibit some effectiveness against arsenic poisoning. In the early modern era, bezoar stones held significant value and were prized possessions in cabinets of curiosity and kunstkammers.

Diameter approximatly 7 cm.

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NL Van Leest Antiques

Van Leest Antiques

Van Leest Antiques, based in Utrecht in the Netherlands, specialises in antique scientific and medical instruments. Their collection covers mainly scientific and medical antique instruments: barometers, globes and planataria, nautical instruments, anatomical models, and pharmacy items. Toon Van Leest travels regularly in Europe and visits trade fairs, auctions, and antique dealers to collect stock and to find pieces to fulfil his clients' unusual requests.

As well as being an avid antique collector and dealer, Toon Van Leest is also a dentist. He believes that antiques are a stable investment, not reliant on trends or fashion, and have truly lasting value. Above all, he says, antiques are timeless and never lose their beauty.