Bidri Basin
Unknown Artist
c. 1650
Medium
Zinc alloy with silver and brass inlay
Dimensions
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Classification
Metalwork
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
Accession Number
2020.205
About this artwork
Wide-rimmed basins called sailabchi were used to catch water poured from a pitcher during hand washing before prayer and before and after meals. A sumptuous example such as this was made for an elite setting. Every element of the allover floral arabesque was cut from silver and brass sheets or wire and hammered into the cast zinc alloy vessel in a distinctive technique developed in southern India.