Indian Holy Water Vessel with Inscription

Neatly, a waisted cylinder with banded zigzag borders, aged to a mossy dark green.

This brass holy water vessel with inscription is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 19th century. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that has long been used in India for ritual vessels, and owners sometimes had names or dedications engraved on the surface. Noted first, a short, hourglass-shaped vessel with a flared rim, a narrow waist and a wider base. Narrow bands of herringbone-style incising circle the top and bottom, with fine lines between. The surface is dark olive brown with patches of green. It is 3.2 inches high and 3 in diameter.

A neat pattern, a patient patina and a very steady stance.