Water Pot (Lota) (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

18th century
Indian
silver
Place Made,North India,probably Maharashtra
Overall: 4 11/16 × 5 13/16 in. (11.91 × 14.76 cm)
2003.56
The bulbous water pot, or lota, is India’s most characteristic vessel form. This shimmering example was probably used in Hindu rituals featuring purifying water. Anthropomorphic representations of the Hindu god Vishnu’s ten avatars appear in an arcade that runs around the vessel’s body.
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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