A Copper Bowl, India c.1940

This shallow copper bowl is an open-fire cooking vessel known as urli or uruli, used throughout southern India for preparing ayurvedic medicines and cooking large quantities of food for gatherings and ritual offerings. Cast of bell copper using the lost wax method, the basin features two loop handles, a constricted neck banded with simple ring molding, and a rounded underside. It has been fitted with a metal stand. Over a century of use has resulted in a darkly patinated surface finish, with some verdigris oxidation on the interior. A full-size specimen, this bronze vessel is wonderful as a tabletop centerpiece, shallow planter, or water basin for floating flowers. It can also be planted.