Indian Kharal or Chutney Grinder

Pale stone boat that never learned to float and does not mind.

This jaisalmer stone kharal or chutney grinder is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. A kharal is a small stone mortar and pestle used in India to grind spices, herbs and chutney by hand, and it is still common in traditional kitchens. Shallow, pointed-ended basin carved from pale stone, shaped like a canoe with a smooth inner hollow. The surface is chalky cream with faint pitting and soft, slightly irregular edges. The outer walls look hand-worked rather than machined. It is 12 inches wide, 6 deep and 2.5 high.

Anchored forever, and perfectly content with the mooring.