India, 17th or 18th century

Length: 4 inches, 10 cm

A bronze ritual sprinkler of funnel form, the spout formed as the head of nandi bull, which is rendered in fine detail. The small vessel has a dark brown patina and a glossy surface.

Hinduism incorporates a great number of special festivities that celebrate specific aspect of its religion. This exceptionally fine bronze ritual sprinkler was probably used for special festivals worshipping nandi. The nandi is the bull mount of Shiva, whose symbol is the linga. The base of the spout suggests a phallic (linga) shape.