This antique, bulbous, hand-crafted, brass and copper vessel was made in India to store lustral, aka holy water. It is called a Lota. This example is unique not only for the intricacy of its decoration, but for the rare hand-written engraving along its rim, and its large size. There appears to be two forms of hand-engraved writing along the top rim which appear to have been done by two different hands. I now understand from a fellow ebayer that this engraved writing identifies the individuals who carved the pot.  I don't know if that is true, so if anyone else out there would be so kind as to specifically decipher/translate the writing, I would be most grateful. 

The Lota has decorations of alternating ribbons of brass-engraved and copper-engraved flowers, leaves, and geometric designs.  I believe the quality of workmanship and engraving makes this one special.  It is also much larger than most Lota.

The technique of using brass and copper together in India is called Ganga Jamuna. The base metal is brass, which is then inlaid with copper.  The name is said to be from the colors of the Ganga and Jamuna Rivers in India.  The metals certainly look grand together.

This ganga jamuna Lota displays beautifully. I purchased this vessel at a Virginia estate sale about 25 years ago and have no further information about its origin.

Height - approx. 6.75"
Width - approx. 7" 
Top diameter - approx. 4"
Weight - 2 lbs 13.8 oz.

Thank you for looking!