Indian Iron Measuring Pot

A rolled metal cylinder with a swollen belt and a scattering of tiny rivets.

This measuring pot is from Gujarat, India, and dates to the early 20th century. It is iron. Standard measuring vessels have long been used in South Asian markets and households to portion grain, oil and other goods by volume. An open-topped round band in dark reddish brown, with a raised ridge around the middle. Small rivets and stamped marks speckle the sides, and the surface is mottled with age and handling. It is 7 inches high and 7 in diameter.

Plain as a barrel, and just as proud of it.