Perch Mortar and Pestle

My perch just arrived, and can’t wait to season it. The stone is immaculate, but the wood is lacking. The base arrived with a wood chip and a dark mark (see pics). Also there is a terrible smell; can’t tell if it’s the packaging or the mortar and pestle. Hope the smell goes away because my wife is complaining that it’s stinking up the whole house! Guess I expect better for the price.

Very beautiful and functional mortar and pestal. I absolutely love it.

Beautifully made.