Chinese Mortar or Grinding Vessel

A small, tapering pot with a rough pale skin and a shallow bowl hollowed at the top.

This cut stone mortar or grinding vessel is from China, and dates to the early 20th century. Stone grinding vessels were household tools in many regions of China, used for preparing food, herbs and pigments before modern equipment became common. A narrow-based, flared vessel with a thick rim, its sides carved with faint vertical tool marks. The color is a soft cream with grey and tan patches, and the shallow hollow inside is slightly stained. It is 5 inches high and 6 in diameter.

Modest to the last chisel stroke, and sturdy with it.