Lot 208: A LARGE SOUTH INDIAN THANJAVUR TRI-COLOUR MIXED-METAL DECORATIVE VASE/LOTA VESSEL, 19TH CENTURY

A LARGE SOUTH INDIAN THANJAVUR TRI-COLOUR MIXED-METAL DECORATIVE VASE/LOTA VESSEL, 19TH CENTURY

A large South Indian decorative vase, or kalash, of bulbous form, crafted in the Thanjavur style. The piece is constructed from a brass body featuring elaborate high-relief overlay and inlay decoration in copper and white metal. The decoration is arranged in multiple horizontal registers. The flared rim displays a repeating lozenge floral pattern, above a neck with vertical copper gadrooning. The shoulder is encircled by bands of stylized floral rosettes and foliate scrolls. A prominent band on the upper body depicts a procession of hamsas, or sacred geese, amidst scrolling foliage executed in copper. The large main body register is covered in a repeating pattern of stylized teardrop-shaped floral motifs. Bands of beaded white metal serve as decorative borders between the primary zones. The base features a large, centrally-incised medallion with a radiating lotus or sunburst design within a gadrooned border. A small circular indentation is present at the exact centre of the base, appearing to be a lathe-turning mark from the manufacturing process.

H: 36cm