Expert: Aupmanyav - 12/13/2011

Question
QUESTION: Greetings
 I have a brass Punja lota that I have been pestering folks about for the past two years. This lota was obtained at an estate sale, where it had set on a fireplace since the 1970's. Apparently it was purchased during a military tour in WW II. I will never be able to describe this piece, but I hope to give you enough so that you can tell me if you can help me. I have many photographs of the lota and would be happy to send them to you.
 This is a regular sized lota that was made with the traditional sand cast method, but it appears to be  mixed with several metals. There are signs on the surface that prove it had to have been more than just copper and zinc or tin. The mouth has a rolled top that looks like copper, but was put on the pot after it was cast.  The opening at the top is surrounded with religious illustrations. Around the center, there are  deities holding symbols and various objects. I know that Ganesh is pictured, and I believe either three Buddhist monks, or the three characters that symbolize incarnation, but I don't know anything about the rest of them. It appears that one is playing a flute, and I am guessing this is Krishna.
 The unique thing about this lota is, that it is completely covered with tiny punch marks that were done one mark at a time. If someone did this today, it would take them a very long time and I doubt they would be able to achieve the same results as this would require an immense amount of artistic skill. I have examined this under magnification, and you can plainly see that this has been around hundreds of years.
 Every time I show this piece to someone that looks like they are from India, they shake their head and say “This is very, very old,” but tell me to take it to someone that knows about these things. The antique dealers around here, including University of West Florida, have no idea what a lota even is.
 Please don't turn me away as so many do. I want to find out all I can about this little piece of history. It has taught me so much already. I have contacted universities everywhere, including some in India, and it seems that I either am not getting through, or they think I'm nuts. They never respond. Please tell me if you can help me, or if you know anyone who can.
  I want to get it appraised, but I have been advised not to do that until I find out something about it.

David

ANSWER: Dear David,

If possible, load the photographs on a photo-site and let me have a look at it. Some detailed pics, if you can. The three ascetics that you mention could be Rama, Lakshman, and Rama's spouse Sita. Yes, such 'lotas' were made in history and they are made even now. We have a 'dashavatara' 'lota' (depicting ten incarnations of Vishnu) which was purchased by my grandfather, who was a historian/archeologist/numismatist. Perhaps I can say something after I have a look at it. With best regards,

Yours sincerely,

Aupmanyav

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QUESTION: Thank you very kindly for your swift response. Please copy this link into your browser for a photo spread of my lota
David

https://picasaweb.google.com/113866374643203377560/LotaObserv?authkey=Gv1sRgCOvJzuGy4726uAE

Answer
Dear David,

I have posted my comments on the photographs in Picasso. This is very much like the 'lota' that I have in my hand just now. The neck of my 'lota' is very small. However, I would say ours is much more elaborate. It has two rows of main carvings. Mine also has Rama, Sita, and Lakshman. Clean it with some gentle fluid, our choice is lemon juice. Ours also is dirty, but I know it can be cleaned easily. I have not got it valued. No harm to get it valued if you would like to sell it. But, cleaned, it will make a beautiful show-piece. We intend to keep ours with us. There is no set value for such things. Such 'lotas' are still made in South India. With best regards,

Yours sincerely,

Aupmanyav