Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet when plants were in the

when plants were in the right stage of maturation

) this box was made down there as a present to his wife

there are some dark marks visible on the white glaze

These plates were purchased from the estate of a prominent choreographer in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood

Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet when plants were in theI've seen handled bowls of this form described as mortars, scoops, ladles and dippers; whatever one wants to call this one, it is truly a beautiful thing. I believe it is carved of burl wood and is a gorgeous warm honey color (possibly maple), with a great sheen and smoothness from use and age, I'd guess well over a hundred years. Because it feels so wonderful in the hand, I'd want to use it or at least keep it near at hand; or one could wrap that