Chinese Mortar or Grinding Vessel

A mortar that can wait. It has been waiting a long time.

This stone mortar or grinding vessel comes from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the late 19th century. Mortars are commonly associated with grinding grain, pounding spices and processing herbs. The form is a deep, tapering cup, narrower at the base than at the rim, with a thick, rolled lip. The stone is a warm, sandy buff color with a rough, pitted surface and subtle tool marks.

The record gives no dimensions. Handsome by a front door, holding an umbrella or two.