Indian Brass Mortar

A golden-tan barrel with an inscription tucked under its collar.

This brass mortar is from India, and dates to the mid 19th or early 20th century. A mortar and pestle is among the oldest kitchen tools, used to crush and grind spices, herbs and seeds, and it is found in cultures worldwide. A rounded body sits between a rolled rim and a wide, flat foot, with fine ridges circling it. Small, faint marks or characters show on the shoulder. The color is pale gold with dark flecks and a pitted, worn surface. It is 2.5 inches high and 2.8 in diameter.

Short on height, long on years of handling.