Antique Dhokra Brass Measuring Bowl, India (9500B-VAH) $155

$155.00

H: 4.25” Dia: 4” | FREE SHIPPING!

This antique brass vessel was a daily measuring bowl for rice or other grains made by the Dhokra metalsmiths from Eastern India using lost wax casting which creates a unique and distinct identity and a one-of-a-kind object.  Dhokra items are beautifully and intricately decorated, very accessible, made with an appealing simplicity and their uncomplicated forms are forceful and captivating.  This charming one is a typical small grain measure with a round lip, bulging body, handle for hanging and decorated with horizontal striations across the top half bordered by a band of downward striated triangles and a broad horizontal band at the center. It is in very good condition with a smooth patina from prolonged use and its considerable age.

 

Description

Antique copper based alloy bronze and brass vessels, figures, religious  and functional items objects have long been the specialty of  East Indian Dhorka Damar tribes metal smiths who continue to use the same lost wax technique of metal casting used for over 4000 years, and extremely labor intensive and time consuming process. Their folk art style of metalwork includes utilitarian and functional objects like this grain/rice measuring bowl which is made in different sizes. As a form of Hindu ritual art this type of bowl was regarded as a symbol of the goddess Lakshmi and was greatly prized by local villagers who could afford them and used them for puja home worship placed on a home altar. Unfortunately, like most authentic ethnographic art and artifacts the craft and techniques of a diminishing number of metal smiths used to create new ones have been declining for many years. Items produced by Dhokra tribal artisans, especially antique pieces, are in demand domestically and internationally, and are, consequently, are collectible yet affordable.

Click here for blog Dhokra Metal Smiths: Retaining Primitive Techniques with Unfailing Success 

Click here for the Blog Hindu Home and Temple Shrines and Religious Practices

 

 

 

Additional information

Place of Origin

India

Period

Antique (1200-1920)

Date

1880-1920

Materials and Technique

Bronze/brass/copper alloy

Dimensions (inches)

Ht: 4.25” Dia: 4

Dimensions (metric)

Ht: 10.79cm Dia: 10.16cm

Weight

1lb 7 oz

Condition

Very good, patina and wear consistent with age and use

Reference Number

9500B-VAH

Shipping Box Size