Indian Bronze Puja Vessel

Wide-open eyes on a vessel, watching the offerings come in.

This puja vessel was cast in bronze in India in the 19th century. Small metal vessels of this kind are commonly used in Hindu worship to hold offerings, water or flowers. The wide, flaring rim carries a few small broken projections, and the body is carved with a band of large, staring eyes with a central nose-like ridge. A footed base supports it. The metal is dark, with greenish and golden touches in the patina and some crusty residue.

About three inches tall and four wide. A small piece with a big stare.