Small conical studio bowl

Could anyone make any suggestions about this 8cm tall bowl, please?

could it be a mortar?

That would make sense :)

the proof of the pudding is in the eating, get some spices in there

A mortar was my first thought when I bought it, as the centre of gravity is made lower by the solid base, but it also seems a bit unstable and top heavy. And as for using it, my better half only likes those large Victorian large ones: she'd be a bit dismissive of this tiddler. Which sounds familar...

Maybe it was meant to be handheld

That nearly made me choke on my cornflakes earlier

I thought the ring on the base was to grip in your hand

Either this is double entendre central or my brain is horribly corrupted

I think you're just a sauce pot

I was afraid that you might say that. Well not those exact words, but you know what I mean.

well I can't help smiling when people post a pair of jugs but I don't see the sauce in this thread

is it salt glazed?

I think it's wood-fired and the "separated glaze effect" is ash deposits from the wood.

Thanks S.P - learning more every time I come on here :)

I'm with you on that one, Debbie, and only glad that s-p answered first because I wouldn't have had a clue!