Antique Dhokra Brass Measuring Bowl, India (9500D-JAH) $155

$155.00

H: 3.5” Dia: 3.75” | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

This antique brass vessel was a daily measuring bowl for rice or other grains made by Dhokra metal smiths from Eastern India using the same lost wax casting process for over 4000 years. Extremely labor intensive and time consuming, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Dhokra items are beautifully and intricately decorated with simple uncomplicated forms.  This charming piece has a handle for hanging with horizontal striations and downward striated triangles with a smooth patina from age and use. This type of bowl was regarded as a symbol of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi and was prized by villagers who could afford them for puja home worship and placed on a home altar.

 

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

 

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. This charming piece is a typical small grain measure with a rounded lip, bulging body, and handle for hanging and decorated with horizontal striations across the top half. It is bordered by a band of downward striated triangles with bosses at the tips, and a broad horizontal band at the center. It is in very good condition and has a smooth patina from prolonged use and considerable age.

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: 3.5” Dia: 3.75

Dimensions (metric)

Ht: 10.79cm Dia: 10.16cm

Weight

1 lb 4 oz

Condition

Very good, patina and wear consistent with age and use

Item Number

9500D-JAH

Shipping Box Size