Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle bill of fare vocabulary 7 7/8" across at base

7 7/8" across at base

I must say I really love this

To my taste

The exterior shows a wonderfully nuanced range of tones

but them M seems slightly different than his

Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle bill of fare vocabulary 7 7/8" across at baseI'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