A BRASS WATER VESSEL, KERALA, SOUTH INDIA, 18th-19TH CENTURY, AND TWO OTHER VESSELS

Of squat bulbous form with a low broad foot, shallow neck and ridged mouth, a long curved spout applied to the body; the second of baluster form with a tall ridged neck; the third of squat form with a rounded base and wide mouth with everted rim

Some surface wear and surface accretions, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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These are probably all variations on a water vessel, or lota. The first is a characteristically-shaped South Indian vessel, used for the lustration of sculptures, notably, in the case of this form with its ithyphallic spout, the Shiva-lingam (Zebrowski 1997, p.220, no.357). The smallest vessel of this group takes a more indigenous form that would appear to owe its origins to organic shapes such as a hollowed melon. It is an early shape which predates the more slender versions, such as that found on the tallest of these three vessels, which displays what is probably a Persian influence, introduced to India somewhat later.