Indian Lota or Ceremonial Water Vessel

Picture a big, softly dented pot with a wide mouth and the complexion of old gold.

This copper lota, or ceremonial water vessel is from Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India, and dates to the early 20th century. The lota is a small rounded water pot used across South Asia for washing, drinking and ritual offerings, often with a narrow mouth and wide base. Generally, a broad rounded vessel with a flaring neck and a plain base ring. The surface is a pale yellow-brown and covered in shallow dents and hammer waves, with a hint of green near the shoulder. It is 4.75 inches high and 5.5 in diameter.

Pleasantly rumpled, and it wears every dent with pride.