Indian Chalice Form Holy Water Vessel

Silvery bell-shaped cup on a stepped foot, spotted like an old mirror.

This chalice-form holy water vessel is from Karnataka, South India, and dates to the 19th century. It is brass. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that is generally cast or hammered, and it develops a darker tone with age. Footed vessel with a wide flaring lip and a deep rounded bowl. Surface in pale gray-silver with dark blotches and patches of tarnish. The base is stepped and neatly turned. It is 2.7 inches high and 2.8 in diameter.

Good bones under a speckled complexion.