Indian Chalice Form Holy Water Vessel

Broad, low bowl on a squat foot, in deep chocolate bronze.

This chalice-form holy water vessel is from Karnataka, South India, and dates to the 19th century. It is brass. Karnataka has a long history of brass work, and ritual vessels were made there for both temple use and household worship. Wide, rounded vessel with a gently flaring rim and a smooth, dark brown interior. The outer surface is a deep even bronze with a faint sheen. A short stem and stepped foot support it. It is 2.9 inches high and 3.3 in diameter.

Dark, calm and built to last.