Chinese Mortar or Grinding Vessel

Pale grey, deeply bowled, and shaped by hand-held tools.

Craftspeople in Shanxi Province, China, made this stone mortar or grinding vessel in the late 19th century. Vessels like it are commonly associated with grinding grain and other household foodstuffs. The sides rise in a smooth, rounded curve to a wide opening, and the stone has a rough, evenly pecked finish that shows its working. The color is a soft, sandy gray. A shallow bowl is visible inside.

About 20 inches high and 23 inches across. Massive, plain and in no hurry.