15" Tall Antique Folk Art Vessel

This dramatic vessel is a genuine piece of Primitive Treenware and Tribal Art, transforming a functional grain or spice mortar (Ukhali) into a significant decorative artifact. Likely dating to the early 20th Century, its heavy, dark hardwood form and highly expressive high-relief carving are characteristic of folk art traditions found in remote, artisanal regions across South Asia (including areas like Orissa/Odisha). The figural motifs—often representing local deities, ancestral figures, or everyday life—imbue the vessel with deep cultural narrative. The wood is dense, and the deep-brown surface is layered with an unmistakable, heavy patina—the dark, soft luster that only decades of ritual handling and oil absorption can create. Its sculptural form is a testament to the artisan's skill and the beauty of utility. This artifact makes a powerful statement in a contemporary setting. Its sculptural form is a perfect anchor for Global Modern or Wabi-Sabi design, providing a crucial element