Indian Urli or Offering Vessel

Black as a stove outside, pale as pewter within.

This urli, or offering vessel, is bronze, from Southern India, and dates to the 19th century. Broad, round-bottomed urlis like this are a familiar sight in the south of India, associated with cooking for festivals and with temple and household offerings. The heavy body swells beneath a wide, flat rim, ringed with fine ridges and a raised band below. Small looped handles sit at either side. It stands 18.5 inches high and spans 33.

One does not move it casually. One does not move it twice.