Versatoio in bronzo India, Deccan, inizio XVIII... Lot 9

Versatoio in bronzo India, Deccan, inizio XVIII secolo Mis: 31.5 X h. 29 cm Resting on a hexagonal base, the body is globular and slightly flattened, the handle in the form of a stylised dragon terminating in a hinge that joins it to the domed cover terminating in a bud-shaped grip. The surface is extensively decorated with a fish scale pattern and a net motif of small diamonds on spout and neck. The centre of both sides of the container decorated with a peacock within a drop-shaped reserve. Ewers of this shape are attributed by Zebrowski (Gold, Silver & Bronze from Mughal India, Alexandria Press, 1997, p. 164 and 166) to Northern India or the Deccan. Our specimen seems to relate more to the second attribution, given its decorative similarities to the coeval Bidri manufacture.Such items were used by the Muslim community to pour water for ritual ablutions and is therefore a type frequently found in India after the Islamic conquest of some of its territories.