Lota
19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Ganga-Jumna Lota (water-jar) refers to the technique of using brass and copper together. This is said to be inspired by the contrasting colours of the Ganga and Jumna the two great rivers in north India. The ornate nature of the lota indicates that it is likely to be used for religious purposes, such as carrying water to wash the temple gods. This is a typical south Indian shape which adapts the round globular form by extending the top further than the base of the pot.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Brass and copper |
| Brief description | Copper and brass lota (water-jar), Tanjore, 19th century |
| Physical description | Ganga-Jumna Lota (water-jar) refers to the technique of using brass and copper together. This is said to be inspired by the contrasting colours of the Ganga and Jumna the two great rivers in north India. The ornate nature of the lota indicates that it is likely to be used for religious purposes, such as carrying water to wash the temple gods. This is a typical south Indian shape which adapts the round globular form by extending the top further than the base of the pot. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Purchased from Messrs. Procter and Co, Indian Art Gallery, 428 Oxford Street |
| 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. |
| Bibliographic reference | Mark Zebrowski, Gold, Silver & Bronze from Mughal India, Alexandria Press in association with Laurence King, London 1997, pl. 331 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.29-1888 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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