Indian Kharal or Chutney Grinder

Dark, slab-sided and low, this basin keeps its hexagon honest.

This stone kharal or chutney grinder is from India, and dates to the 20th century. It is jaisalmer stone. A kharal is a stone mortar used in Indian kitchens, in which spices, herbs and chutneys are ground by hand with a heavy stone pestle. Flat, six-sided basin with straight smooth faces in dark brown. The surface has a worn, slightly dusty finish with a lighter patch on the rim. The interior hollow is shallow and its corners are softly rounded. It is 10.6 inches wide, 6.25 deep and 3 high.

Sober, steady and in no hurry to impress.