Indian Ayurvedic Medicine Grinder

Hourglass of grooves and rings, turned from warm brown timber.

This Ayurvedic medicine grinder in turned hardwood is from India, and dates to the 20th century. Hardwood is turned on a lathe, spinning the piece while a tool shapes it, a method that produces symmetrical forms with smooth walls. Look closely and a thick cylinder with a round opening at the top surrounded by fine concentric lines. The sides pinch in, with raised rings and a wide base. The surface is honey brown with darker grain and some small cracks. It is 13 inches wide, 13 deep and 13 high.

Turned with care, then left to age gracefully.