Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet These plates were purchased from

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

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

I've polished the silver some and it could be polished a bit more

with a nice patina

) a few different Coushatta pine needle baskets

Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet These plates were purchased fromI'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