Indian Vessel with Ring Handles and Avian Motif

Almost two feet of copper, with a small bird keeping watch on either side.

This vessel with ring handles and avian motif comes from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, South India, and dates to the late 19th century. It is copper, which Indian coppersmiths favored for water storage and large kitchens because it is easily hammered and long lasting. A deep brown body swells above a narrow foot, with soft hammered facets catching the light across the shoulder. A thick rim carries fine incised pattern. Each lug holds a ring, and one of the rings ends in an open hook. Twenty-three and a half inches high and just under twenty-three in diameter.

The sheen is considerable. Nobody here is taking credit.