Indian Footed Holy Water Vessel

Plain gray cylinder, sturdy enough to suggest it has seen things.

This footed brass holy water vessel is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 19th century. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and Indian metalworkers have long cast, hammered and engraved it to make vessels in a great variety of shapes. Straight-sided cup with a banded rim and a slightly flared foot, resting on three tiny feet. Surface is matte dark gray with soft scratches, a few pale spots near the lip and signs of long use. It is 2.2 inches high and 2.2 in diameter.

Unadorned, dependable and not fishing for compliments.