Indian Brass Spittoon

Trumpet-mouthed vase that curves in at the neck and out again with dignity.

This spittoon is from India, and dates to the early 20th century. It is brass. Brass vessels are made by casting or hammering the alloy, and many Indian households kept them because brass is durable and easy to polish. Vase with a wide flaring lip, a narrow ringed neck and a round, swelling body. The base spreads in stepped rings. The surface is smooth and dark brown with a soft, warm sheen and darker patches at the shoulder. It is 7.5 inches high and 6.75 in diameter.

Plenty of curves, with nothing at all to prove.