Indian Kharal or Chutney Grinder

Hunk of brown stone hollowed out into a shallow basin, with no pretense at all.

This stone kharal or chutney grinder is from India, and dates to the 20th century. It is jaisalmer stone. Grinding on stone is a traditional method in South Asian cooking, and many cooks hold that it releases the flavor of spices differently from machine blending. Low, roughly oval basin in dark brown with a pale rim. The sides are irregular and faceted, and the interior is a shallow scooped hollow. The surface is rough and pitted with a dusty, uneven finish. It is 11 inches wide, 6.5 deep and 4 high.

Plain, solid and entirely done with decoration.