Bronze Urli From South India - 19th Century
Crafted in South India in the late 19th century, this impressive bronze cauldron is known locally as an Urli (ഉരുളി). Traditionally used in Tamil and Malayali households for cooking large quantities of food, Urlis were placed directly on an open flame and carried with the aid of wooden poles threaded through the robust loop handles. This piece tells a story of communal gatherings, ritual cooking, and time-honoured technique.
Cast using the ancient lost wax method (cire perdue), each Urli was individually formed, with the mold destroyed after use - making every piece a unique artefact. The bell metal alloy gives it a warm golden tone and a rich, time-softened patina that speaks to its age and history. Now sought after for both decorative and practical use, this cauldron would make a striking planter, water bowl, or centrepiece.
- Origin: South India (Kerala)
- Date: Late 19th century
- Materials: Bronze (bell metal alloy)
- Features: Loop handles; cast using lost wax process; traditionally used for cooking
- Condition: Wear and patina consistent with age and use
- Dimensions: W72 x D64 x H20 cm
Original: $2,240.29
-65%$2,240.29
$784.10More Images
Bronze Urli From South India - 19th Century
Crafted in South India in the late 19th century, this impressive bronze cauldron is known locally as an Urli (ഉരുളി). Traditionally used in Tamil and Malayali households for cooking large quantities of food, Urlis were placed directly on an open flame and carried with the aid of wooden poles threaded through the robust loop handles. This piece tells a story of communal gatherings, ritual cooking, and time-honoured technique.
Cast using the ancient lost wax method (cire perdue), each Urli was individually formed, with the mold destroyed after use - making every piece a unique artefact. The bell metal alloy gives it a warm golden tone and a rich, time-softened patina that speaks to its age and history. Now sought after for both decorative and practical use, this cauldron would make a striking planter, water bowl, or centrepiece.
- Origin: South India (Kerala)
- Date: Late 19th century
- Materials: Bronze (bell metal alloy)
- Features: Loop handles; cast using lost wax process; traditionally used for cooking
- Condition: Wear and patina consistent with age and use
- Dimensions: W72 x D64 x H20 cm
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Description
Crafted in South India in the late 19th century, this impressive bronze cauldron is known locally as an Urli (ഉരുളി). Traditionally used in Tamil and Malayali households for cooking large quantities of food, Urlis were placed directly on an open flame and carried with the aid of wooden poles threaded through the robust loop handles. This piece tells a story of communal gatherings, ritual cooking, and time-honoured technique.
Cast using the ancient lost wax method (cire perdue), each Urli was individually formed, with the mold destroyed after use - making every piece a unique artefact. The bell metal alloy gives it a warm golden tone and a rich, time-softened patina that speaks to its age and history. Now sought after for both decorative and practical use, this cauldron would make a striking planter, water bowl, or centrepiece.
- Origin: South India (Kerala)
- Date: Late 19th century
- Materials: Bronze (bell metal alloy)
- Features: Loop handles; cast using lost wax process; traditionally used for cooking
- Condition: Wear and patina consistent with age and use
- Dimensions: W72 x D64 x H20 cm
