Indian Lota or Ceremonial Water Vessel

Round as a full moon, and made to hold what no household could do without.

This lota, or ceremonial water vessel, comes from India and dates to the 19th century. It is made of copper. The lota is the classic rounded Indian water pot, used in daily washing and carrying water, and in Hindu rites where water is poured as an offering. Its broad body narrows to a short neck with a flat, flanged rim. Mottled black patches cloud the lower half, and a seam line runs around the shoulder. Twenty-one and a half inches across and 17.5 high.

A simple shape, and nobody has improved on it since.