Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle wooden cat bookend with additional colorful abstract forms

with additional colorful abstract forms

5” wide x 5” tall

green trousers and red striped socks

firmly in place and opening and closing with ease--one must be just a very tiny bit bent

Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle wooden cat bookend with additional colorful abstract formsI'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