The majority of Flemish mortars has been cast in the production centre of Malines, known for the skilled foundries making objects of high quality.
Jan II van den Ghein was a member of the Malines founders family Van den Ghein. He was the brother of Peeter van den Ghein I. The foundry of Jan II was based in Huis de Zwaen, Rue Haute in Malines. Jan II is recorded as being a founder since 1537, he died in 1573.
See also Wittop Koning II, p. 100-101. A closely related mortar by Peeter van den Ghein with similar decoration is illustrated, ill. 143.
Comparable literature, G. van Doorslaer, L'ancienne industrie du cuivre a Malines iv La fonderie du aliton et du bronze, Mechelen, 1922.