Etched Stone Mortar

Essentially a utilitarian vessel, this mortar bears incised lines on the interior to facilitate the task of removing the outer husks from grains of rice. Yet it seems as if the Qing-dynasty artisan who carved the mortar from limestone became interested in the aesthetic potential of the lines, extending them to the exterior in a pleasing rhythmic pattern. Sculptural and textural, the mortar would look amazing planted with vines trailing down its rustic surface.