Indian Footed Ceremonial Vessel with Floral Motifs and Ring Handles

Flowers chased all around the belly, and a pair of ring handles keeping score.

This footed ceremonial vessel with floral motifs and ring handles comes from India and dates to the 19th century. It is hammered and incised copper. In India, large copper vessels have long been used to hold water, and copper is often regarded as purifying. The deep rounded bowl is incised with rows of open blossoms between geometric bands, set on a wide trumpet foot decorated in the same way. Ring handles hang at each side of the flared rim. Green and brown patina covers the surface. It is 37 inches wide and 32 high.

Somebody spent a very long afternoon with a very small chisel.