Ritual Ewer
Unknown Artist
Dated by inscription 1733
Medium
Copper alloy
Dimensions
H. 9 7/16 in. (24 cm); W. to spout 8 7/16 in. (21.5 cm); Diam. of collar 5 1/8 in. (13 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture
Nepal, Bhaktapur
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Zimmerman Family Collection, Gift of the Zimmerman Family, 2020
Accession Number
2020.288.4
Art Historical Context
This elegant **Ritual Ewer**, by inscription to 1733, hails from Bhaktapur a historic Newar city in Nepal renowned for its masterful metalwork. Standing just over 9 inches tall with a wide collar and gracefully curving spout, this copper vessel measures about 8.5 inches across. Crafted as a functional sculpture, it exemplifies the refined artistry of anonymous Nepalese artisans who blended utility with spiritual symbolism in the Asian Art tradition. In Nepalese culture, ewers like this were indispensable for Hindu and Buddhist rituals used to pour holy water (jal) during puja ceremonies, init...