Bell Handle

Thailand

12th-13th century

  • Titles Bell Handle (Descriptive)
  • Medium bronze
  • Credit Line Museum purchase, 1989.152.15
  • Work Type bell handle
  • Classification Fragments

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China Wood Gate Nikko (.42, recto); Ganman No Fuchi (pool of Ganman) at Nikko (.43, verso), Attributed to Kusakabe Kimbei, hand-colored albumen prints mounted to album page
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Ku35. The kalash is a vessel traditionally used in Hindu worship, or puja, to hold water, milk, or ghee, for pouring over a deity. This kalash is decorated in the traditional Kutch coriander motif, but superimposed on that pattern are the animal depictions that are the mark of Oomersee Mawji. Mawji, particularly among all other Indian smiths, was able to breathe life into his animals, as he showed the anguish of a mortal attack, the adrenaline rush of a hunt, or the scampering of a deer. The kalash is an example of Oomersee at his best.
Round with calligraphy