{"product_id":"south-indian-brass-thirtham-kinnam-temple-bowl-tamil-inscription","title":"South Indian Brass Thirtham Kinnam Temple Bowl Tamil Inscription","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"839\" data-end=\"1242\"\u003eThis South Indian brass ritual vessel is known as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"891\" data-end=\"910\"\u003eThirtham Kinnam\u003c\/strong\u003e, traditionally used in Hindu temples and domestic shrines for holding or distributing \u003cem data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1007\"\u003ethirtham\u003c\/em\u003e—consecrated holy water. The form is characteristic of Tamil ritual metalwork, with a rounded bowl rising to an applied rim decorated with symbolic figures associated with Shaiva and Amman worship, including trident and serpent motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1244\" data-end=\"1624\"\u003eThe vessel bears a hand-incised Tamil inscription reading \u003cem data-start=\"1302\" data-end=\"1318\"\u003eUtharani Amman\u003c\/em\u003e, referring to a local Mother Goddess deity. Such inscriptions are devotional rather than commercial, indicating religious association or dedication rather than a maker’s mark. Objects of this type were integral to everyday ritual practice in South India, used during puja, festival days, and temple rites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1626\" data-end=\"2022\"\u003eThe surface shows the soft grey-gold tonality typical of aged brass used in ritual contexts, with internal wear consistent with repeated use. The weight and scale suggest it was intended for practical handling rather than purely decorative display. Dating is best placed in the late 19th to early 20th century, a period when these forms were widely produced for both temple and household worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2024\" data-end=\"2252\"\u003eA culturally specific and evocative object, this Thirtham Kinnam sits well within a collection of Indian ritual metalwork and also works as a sculptural interior piece, retaining its devotional character and historical presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2259\" data-end=\"2273\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2274\" data-end=\"2349\"\u003eDiameter: approx. 12.5 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2299\" data-end=\"2302\"\u003eHeight: approx. 10 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2323\" data-end=\"2326\"\u003eWeight: approx. 536 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2356\" data-end=\"2369\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2530\"\u003eGood antique condition overall, with surface wear, patination, and internal residue consistent with age and ritual use. No visible cracks or repairs. Uncleaned.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Exentric Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56659759792460,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1013\/0689\/2620\/files\/IMG_5905.heic?v=1770305731","url":"https:\/\/exentricantiques.com\/products\/south-indian-brass-thirtham-kinnam-temple-bowl-tamil-inscription","provider":"Exentric Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}