This large wooden mortar dates to the late 19th century and was originally used for crushing rice, grain, spices and other foodstuffs. Carved from a single tree trunk, the mortar has a smoothly worn interior bowl from years of use. Knots and burls inherent to the wood give the exterior a gnarled appearance, softly textured by a smooth patina and the subtle grooves of the swirling wood grain. Today, the large rice mortar lives on as an unexpected catch-all or a cachepot for plants. Additional Dimensions: Opening: 11.5"W x 12"D x 12.5"H