Ritas Bazaar has dated this Antique Indian Bronze Aftaba to the 19th Century.
The rounded body sits on a strong lotus-petal foot and rises to a tall neck with fluted, domed cover on its original hinge. A long S-shaped spout terminates in a stylised animal head, while the opposing handle is modelled as a powerful makara, the mythological water creature, biting the lid finial. The handle is fully three-dimensional, with carefully worked scales, fins and jaw, giving the ewer a striking outline in profile.
The surface is completely covered with hand-cut ornament: foliage, palmette motifs and geometric bands that catch the light across a deep brown and green patina. The underside of the foot and the interior show the gritty texture and small cavities of historic sand casting, not modern machine-ground finishing. This combination of form, detail and patina places the piece firmly within the established corpus of 19th-century Indian aftabas.
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Measurements
• Height approx. 50 cm (19.7?)
• Span spout to handle approx. 54 cm (21.3?)
• Maximum body diameter approx. 27 cm (10.6?)
• Weight approx. 9.92 kg
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Condition
Structurally excellent with strong presence. The original hinge is intact and functional. There is an old hard-soldered joint / weld where the handle joins the body, long patinated and entirely stable, and a small historic chip to the tail fin. No other repairs, no cracks, no modern polishing or re-engraving; wear is limited to the high points and is consistent with genuine age and use.
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Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling, and secure postage.
Packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.
Ritas Bazaar has dated this Antique Indian Bronze Aftaba to the 19th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page
Monumental Indian Bronze Aftaba with Makara Handle, India c. 1850
