Lotas, Spouted Vessels and Boxes

The lota, kumbha or kalasha has had a tremendous significance in the Vedic, Buddhist and Jain ritualism as a symbol of, wealth and fertility.
In everyday life, lota, the versatile Indian pot is used for innumerable services.
Because of its ritual use as well as out of aesthetic considerations, the outer surface of the lota. Was often adorned with religious motifs and secular patterns created by means of incision or inlay of one metal on another.
A pot with a spout is designed for the specific function of controlling the pouring of fluids. Most of these were used in ceremonies for pouring liquid ritual ingredients or for anointing the sacred images.
Some spouted vessels were used for serving ghi or water in traditional community dinners.
In the Islamic cultural tradition, jugs with log-necked spouts and handles were used for serving wine. In this tradition spouted pots are also required to be used for daily ablutions.
A range of boxes and containers of hammered brass and cast bronze meant for safekeeping jewellary, money or documents or for storing spices, nuts or leftover food are an important segment of the museum of everyday art. The form, size and the surface ornamentation conform to the envisaged function of each box.