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Up for sale or sale is a stunning, authentic antique hand-raised copper (or high-copper brass) vessel, likely originating from North India or the Persian world during the 19th to early 20th century. This squat, bulbous piece features an inverted shoulder and a short, straight rim—a profile traditionally matching a ritual water lota or small serving basin.
Artistry & Iconography
The exterior showcases a highly detailed, hand-chased and engraved narrative band featuring stylized quadrupeds (deer, gazelles, or cattle) moving through a dense folk-art landscape. The animal flanks are decorated with intricate scalloped and dotted patterns characteristic of regional Indian metalwork. The recessed areas feature a heavily stippled/punched texture that provides excellent contrast to the smooth, raised metal.
Condition Report
Authentic Wear: The piece shows excellent age and historical character, featuring a genuine dark copper patina with areas of natural verdigris (green copper carbonate) along the lower edges and interior.
Interior: Shows heavy oxidation and residue consistent with age, alongside remnants of an old food-safe tin coating (tinning).
Base: Features prominent concentric circular striations from being smoothed on a hand-turned lathe during manufacturing.
Flaws: There are two notable structural dents on the rounded base causing the bowl to rock slightly rather than sit perfectly flat. White residue is present in the recessed textured details, which may be old dried metal polish or an early contrasting paste wash.
