Vase

Unknown

17th century · Bronze; cast with pierced decoration · Islamic Art

This double-walled vessel with an openwork screen exterior is an Indian water vase, called a lota. Its outer wall, pierced with foliate patterns organized into medallions, surrounds an inner conical receptacle for water. A polylobed rim unites the two walls. The vessel’s shape, with its round body and ridged neck, refers to the form of hollowed-out melons that were the original material used in the creation of lotas.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Bronze; cast with pierced decoration

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Gift of George Blumenthal, by exchange, 1982