Indian Bronze Urli Temple Vessel

This shallow bronze bowl is an open fire cooking vessel known as urli or uruli, used throughout southern India for preparing ayurvedic medicines and cooking large quantities of food for gatherings and ritual offerings. Cast of bell bronze using the lost wax method, the basin features two loop handles, a constricted neck banded with simple ring molding, and a rounded underside steadied by four short legs. Centuries of use have resulted in a darkly patinated surface finish, with some verdigris oxidation on the interior. Smaller than most urli examples, this bronze vessel is wonderful as a tabletop centerpiece, shallow planter, or water basin for floating flowers.