Chinese Mortar or Grinding Vessel

Rough-hewn and rounded, this mortar has soft edges and a long memory.

This mortar or grinding vessel was carved from stone in Shandong Province, China, and is dated in the record to the 18th century or earlier. Stone mortars like this one were commonly used to grind grain and other foods. The form is a short cylinder with a broad shoulder and a narrow, shallow bowl. The surface is a pale sandy grey, pocked with fine tool marks and worn smooth around the rim.

About 18 inches tall and 20 across. A natural planter that already looks planted.