Chinese Mortar or Grinding Vessel

Short, round and wide, with a diamond pattern tooled into the sides.

This stone mortar or grinding vessel was made in Hunan Province, China, in the 19th century. Mortars of this type are commonly associated with grinding grain and pounding herbs and spices at home. The shape is a low, barrel-like bowl that tapers slightly toward the foot, with a shallow collar below the rim. Fine criss-cross chisel marks cover the pale gray stone. A crack runs down one side, filled over time.

About 16 inches high and 19 inches across. Fill it with ferns or a lot of kindling.