Ritual pot in the shape of a gourd. Copper inlay on brass; 14 cm x 10 cm. South India. c. early 19th century. 7/94.
The form of this ritual pot with long-wide collar tapering down into a narrower neck derives from similar shaped gourd pots. Small copper pieces are inlaid in a chequered pattern against the shining brass-engraved background in a striking contrast of colours, symbolising the sacred confluence of the “fair” river Ganges with the “dark” Jamuna.