Indian Iron Measuring Vessel

Rust-brown cylinder with a riveted band, ready for anything round.

This iron measuring vessel from Gujarat is from Gujarat, India, and dates to the early 20th century. Grain, oil and other goods were traditionally sold by volume in South Asia, and standard vessels of fixed capacity were used in markets and households to measure them. Open-topped cylindrical vessel of thin metal, with a raised band around the waist and a seam running down the side. Small square marks appear on the surface. Color is deep red-brown rust with some darker patches. It is 7 inches high and 7 in diameter.

Plain, practical, and wearing its rust with pride.