A CHASED BRASS AFTABA EWER WITH SERPENT HANDLE AND HINDU DEI...

Estimate

£400 - £600

A CHASED BRASS AFTABA EWER WITH SERPENT HANDLE AND HINDU DEITIES, SOUTH INDIA, 19TH CENTURY

This Indian brass ewer, or aftaba, is constructed from a copper alloy and features a globular body supported by a flared pedestal foot. The vessel is decorated with a central horizontal band of circular medallions containing various figures from Hindu iconography. Identifiable figures include Shiva seated upon the bull Nandi and other multi-armed deities in traditional poses. These medallions are separated by vertical foliate dividers and surrounded by scrolling floral vines. The shoulder and foot are embellished with radiating leaf patterns and textured borders. A sinuous handle modeled in the form of a serpent is attached to the neck and body. The ewer includes a waisted neck leading to a flared rim and a hinged, domed lid topped with a bud-form finial. The underside of the foot shows a recessed foliate pattern and a central circular metal plug from the assembly process. 

H: 33.5cm