Not currently on display at the V&A

Lota

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Kerala (made)

Brass lota, or water vessel.


Object details

Categories
Containers
Metalwork
SCRAN
India Museum
Object type
Lota
Materials and techniques
Chased brass
Brass
Chased
Brief description
Brass lota or water jar, Kerala, 19th century.
Physical description
Brass lota, or water vessel.
Dimensions
  • Height: 4.5in
  • Width: 4.5in
Object history
Transferred from the India Museum in 1879. India Museum Slip book entry 8135: '4 Cup Shaped drinking Vessels & 1 Goblet[?] / Travancore / 55'.
Historical context
The lota, a traditional Indian water jug, is used as a general term for water containers but there are also regional names for different types of pots. The basic design of the lota was adapted to perform many related functions: holding, carrying, and pouring water. The form, decoration, size and material reflect the function of the pot, the geographical area in which it was produced and the status of the people for whom it was made. The shape itself is derived from natural forms such as the gourd and the melon. Different types of pots are used to carry water from the well for everyday use, to store water, to drink water from and for daily ablutions. They are also used as containers for sacred water or water that is to be used for ritual purposes.
Other number
8135 - India Museum Catalogue (IS) Number
Collection
South & South East Asia Collection
Accession number
04644(IS)

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O79128/lota-unknown/
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