Globular Sailabchi or Washbasin

The sailabchi or washbasin was a popular vessel both in the zenana (female quarters) and in the gentlemen’s sitting room where it would be brought for the washing of hands. Water would be poured from an ewer and the sailabchi would be used to catch the water as it was poured.

This fine sailabchi has a globular body. Its constricted neck flares out into a shallow basin whose central cavity is covered with a perforated lid that looks like a lattice.

Water flows down the sides of the basin and trickles through the perforated lid into the vessel below. The lid is detachable and can be lifted by the knob provided at the centre. The basin is elaborately decorated in silver with taihnishan, aftabi and tarkashi techniques.