Indian Kharal or Chutney Grinder

Nearly black and rough as a lava crust, with a glossy red-brown hollow inside.

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. Broad, low round basin with a dark charcoal outer surface that is chipped and rippled. The interior is smooth and reddish brown with a gentle shallow dish shape. The rim is thick and irregular with small flaked areas. It is 10 inches wide, 6.5 deep and 2.5 high.

A rugged shell around a very smooth idea.