Antique Stone Mortar

An unusual antique stone mortar from the North of England carved from a dark coloured natural stone. Without knowing it's provenance the age of this artefact can only be guessed at but it certainly looks old and it is not difficult to imagine it installed as mortar for food preparation in a large medieval kitchen such as those once attached to monasteries. It now has a drainage hole through the base and makes an interesting and enigmatic garden planter, internal dimensions 11" diameter x 8" deep.  

18th century or earlier.