Antique Dhokra Brass Measuring Bowl, India (9500E)

Description

Antique copper-based alloy bronze and brass vessels, figures, religious and functional items have long been the specialty of East Indian Dhorka Damar tribes metals smiths use the lost wax metal casting technique used for over 4000 years. It is extremely labor intensive and time-consuming process. Their folk art style of metalwork includes functional objects like this grain/rice measuring bowl which is made in different sizes.

These bowls were regarded as a symbol of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi prized by villagers who could afford them for puja home worship and placed them on home altars.

Dhokra items are beautifully and intricately decorated with simple uncomplicated forms. This brass vessel is a typical rice and small grain measure with a round lip, bulging body and ring for hanging. It is decorated with  horizontal striations across the body and small and large raised zig-zag horizontal bands at the top and underneath are crossing bands with signs of verdigris. It is in very good condition with a smooth patina from prolonged use and its considerable age.

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