Rare Patinated Bronze Urli From Southern India

Details

Description

This 21.5-inch Urli is a remarkable found artifact, hand-cast by master metalsmiths in Kerala using the heritage lost-wax technique. While … Read more This 21.5-inch Urli is a remarkable found artifact, hand-cast by master metalsmiths in Kerala using the heritage lost-wax technique. While many vintage vessels are lost to time, this piece has survived with its structural integrity and high-gauge bronze walls perfectly intact. At 24lbs, it strikes a rare balance between the monumental presence of heavier temple bowls and the functional portability required for a modern residence.

The Details: The vessel displays a captivating, multi-layered patina that serves as a visual record of its age. Its exterior is a deep, weathered bronze, while the interior reveals a warmer, golden-hued bronze that has been softened by decades of use. The hand-finished tiered rim shows subtle, authentic irregularities in the casting—a hallmark of true artisanal provenance that differentiates it from contemporary mass-produced replicas.

Styling It: At 21.5 inches wide and 6 inches deep, this petite yet powerful bowl is the perfect functional accent for smaller surfaces. It makes a commanding, organic catch-all on an entryway console for keys and jewelry, or a sculptural anchor for a low coffee table. Because of its distinctive weathered interior, it also adds a lovely layer of metallic texture when used as a unique statement planter for succulents and air plants, providing a heavy metallic contrast to soft, green foliage. Its water-tight construction also allows it to be used as a tranquil water feature, where floating blossoms can contrast beautifully against the dark, historic bronze, bringing a sense of "Modern Primitive" soul to a Spanish Colonial or Japandi living space.

**Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio. See less