CIRCA: mid 1800’s / 19th C.
A Newari bronze water carrying vessel, or ‘pot’ that was used for bringing water from the river, village well or ‘fountain’ to the home. (The Newars* were the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and have both a rich history and cultural heritage. Their culture is distinct from other Nepali groups, and although they speak Nepalese they also have their own distinct language, and practice both Buddhism and Hinduism.) It’s provenance can be traced back to at least the mid 1800’s / 19th century and its deep rich lustrous patina embodies the use that time would impart. It is made of hand beaten bronze with hand sculptured designs embossed into the upper surfaces and the size is 48cm high by 31cm wide at its widest point. When it was collected at source in Kathmandu, Nepal, circa 1970, it had belonged to the one “upper class” Newari family for generations and had become somewhat of an heirloom item and has had only the one owner since, where it took pride of place in his study. It has the scuffs and dint’s commensurate with several lifetimes of use, but for its age it is in very good condition. Oh, the stories it could tell!
* For more information on the Newari caste of people see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newar_people