Works well, but could be a bit rougher inside to grind more quickly. It is large(8 inches across), shallow, the proportions of both mortar and pestle are good for gripping and working the food material, it holds a good amount of herbs, seeds, or nuts, is beautiful kept out on the counter and is much larger than anything I have been able to find in this country! It is exactly what I was looking for...similar to what I had seen in Europe and couldn't carry home.

Pros: good value, well made,beautiful,unique size hard to find