Indian Vessel with Ring Handles and Avian Motif

Hammer marks run all the way around the copper like ripples on a pond.

This vessel with ring handles and avian motif comes from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, South India, and dates to the 19th century. It is copper. Large copper vessels were common across India for carrying and storing water, valued for durability and generally thought to keep water fresh. The broad, egg-shaped body narrows toward a small foot and shows faint hammering throughout. A raised rim is stamped with a band of overlapping scales. Two heavy ring handles hang from cast mounts on opposite sides. The surface glows a warm reddish brown. It is 22.5 inches high and 22 in diameter.

Built for water, and handsome enough for flowers.