Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet with a nice patina

with a nice patina

I believe there was originally one more small orange ring right below the topper

This would be equally fabulous at the center of a long farmhouse table or on the counter of a minimal white kitchen

when plants were in the right stage of maturation

with one small crack in the lacquer on one short side at the very bottom

Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet with a nice patinaI'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