{"product_id":"19th-century-indian-brass-and-copper-chambu-lota-with-ritual-stones","title":"19th century Indian brass and copper chambu lota with ritual stones.","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"1715\" data-end=\"2015\"\u003eThis 19th-century Indian chambu lota is formed in brass and copper and decorated with engraved figural and geometric bands characteristic of North Indian folk metalwork. The rounded body rises from a short foot and narrows to a flared neck, a form designed for controlled pouring and ritual handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2017\" data-end=\"2495\"\u003eUnusually, the vessel retains its original internal stones, a feature directly associated with traditional Indian cleansing practices. These stones were used in conjunction with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2215\"\u003ereetha (soapnut)\u003c\/strong\u003e, a natural saponin-rich plant. When shaken with water inside the lota, the stones agitated the reetha to produce a light, soap-like lather. This solution was commonly used for ritual washing and ablutions prior to prayer, reflecting long-standing Hindu concepts of ritual purity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2497\" data-end=\"2833\"\u003eThe surface shows honest wear, tonal variation, and patination consistent with age and repeated handling. This is a functional ritual object rather than a purely decorative piece, offering both cultural context and visual presence. Suitable for collectors of Indian metalwork, ritual objects, or as a textured accent within an interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2840\" data-end=\"2856\"\u003eMeasurements\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2858\" data-end=\"2891\"\u003eHeight: 13 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2871\" data-end=\"2874\"\u003eDiameter: 13 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2858\" data-end=\"2891\"\u003eWeight 370g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2898\" data-end=\"2911\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2913\" data-end=\"3041\"\u003eGood antique condition with surface wear, patina, and internal oxidation consistent with age and use. Stones present internally. Dents on midline as photographed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Exentric Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56482986066252,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1013\/0689\/2620\/files\/IMG_5279.heic?v=1768312335","url":"https:\/\/exentricantiques.com\/products\/19th-century-indian-brass-and-copper-chambu-lota-with-ritual-stones","provider":"Exentric Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}