Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet my guess it that it

my guess it that it was his and I would guess dates to the 1970s or so

with a nice patina

These plates were purchased from the estate of a prominent choreographer in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood

) this box was made down there as a present to his wife

there are some dark marks visible on the white glaze

Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet my guess it that itI'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