Bronze
20th Century
Kerala
Height: 6.5 in (17 cm)
Diameter: 21.5 in (54 cm)
This vessel is called an 'Urali' in the local parlance of Kerala, South India. The casting is perfect, and the gauge of the metal is very thick as compared to recent reproductions. The artistic work is superior, and the vessel extremely strong.
These vessels were used in the large temples of Southern India for the preparation of sweet dishes, which were offered to the presiding deity of the temple and thereafter distributed to the devotees. They had to be placed on large logs of cindering wood when cooking, and had to be of a particular thickness to withstand the heat. They were also used for the preparation of ayurvedic medicines.
However, these vessels are slowly becoming a thing of the past as such fine casting and excellent workmanship are rarely seen any more.
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