Chinese Mortar or Grinding Vessel

Wide, shallow and pink-grained, like a stone birdbath that took a different path.

This mortar or grinding vessel was made in Hunan Province, China, in stone in the 19th century. Broad stone mortars were commonly used to grind or hold grain and other foods. The form is a low, round basin with a thick wall and a smooth, shallow hollow. The rim is chiseled in small facets, and the outer wall has a rough, uneven finish. The stone is warm grey-pink.

About 10 inches tall and 21 across. Water, succulents or nothing at all, and it works either way.