This mortar and pestle is unique in its design and possible origin. The sides of it are decorated with raised/embossed portrait busts of the king and queen, who are identified as King Francis I of France and (most likely) his first wife Claude Duchess of Brittany largely due to the Salamander with crown crest, which was the King's personal crest, and the rosettes, which is said to have been the Queen's favorite flower. 

Sources say that the salamander with crown crest was only permitted to be used on the "King and Queen's royal property", which may indicate this mortar & pestles use by royal apothecary pharmacists. It could also potentially be a commemorative piece celebrating the king and queens coronation in 1515. True age and purpose is unknown.

The mortar measures about 5" tall and 8" in diameter at the mouth, weighing around 8lbs. The pestle is about 11.25" in length.