Small and heavy, this antique urli has a broad rolled rim, a shoulder ringed with finely turned grooves and a flared foot that gives it a steady stance. The cast metal has aged to a dark olive-bronze on the outside, with warm copper showing where hands have worn it smooth. Inside, the surface is rough with the grain of the casting, centered on a raised circle in the base and flecked with specks of gold, copper and a trace of red. The urli is a traditional vessel of Kerala and South India, used to hold water, flowers and lamps, and this petite size was made for daily use in a household.
At 9 inches across and 3 inches tall, it fits on a nightstand, bathroom shelf, entry table or the corner of a desk, where it holds keys, rings, a single floating bloom or a tea light. The quiet, dark patina goes with stone, plaster and warm wood.
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Era: Antique
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Origin: India
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Material: Cast metal
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Size: 9"(DM) x 3"(H)
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Color: Dark olive bronze with copper and gold
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Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, part of its character and historical value. Original patina with casting pits and rough spots on the rim.
This antique petite urli vessel from India is cast metal with a rolled rim, turned rings and a flared foot, in dark olive bronze with copper highlights. It measures 9 inches in diameter and 3 inches tall. It suits a nightstand, entry table or shelf for small items, floating flowers or a tea light.
Q: How is a traditional urli made?
A: Urlis are cast in metal by pouring molten alloy into a mold, then finished by hand and on a lathe, which leaves the fine turned rings around the shoulder. The cast surface inside often stays rough and uneven, which is part of the look of an old piece.
Q: What can you put in a small urli?
A: A small urli holds a few floating flowers or tea lights, or acts as a catch-all for keys, rings and loose change on a nightstand, desk or entry table. Place it on a tray or small cloth to protect a wood surface.
**Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio
