Deccan, ca. 16th-18th century AD. A ewer with a melon-shaped body and elegant vertical grooves, the ewer stands atop a splayed concave foot, radiating an air of grace and sophistication. The balustered profile of the neck, with a horizontal ridge, is topped by a domed lid with a delicate pointing finial, adding a touch of regal elegance to the piece. But it is the exquisite handle and pair of parallel spouts that truly set this ewer apart. The curvaceous handle connects the mouth and shoulder, forming a seamless and harmonious transition between the two. The spouts, each culminating in a bloom-shaped terminal with bird heads, are a testament to the skilled artistry of the Deccan craftsmen. Deccan ewers, like this one, are renowned for their unique designs and intricate details. They are a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Deccan region in India. These ewers served both practical and aesthetic purposes, used to store and pour water during religious and social ceremonies, as well as serving as decorative objects in royal courts and homes.Size: L:430mm / W:220mm ; 2.53kgProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly in a collection of A. Kotlar, since the 1970s.