Lota, altar vase made of Makrana marble - Marble - India - Mughal Empire (1526-1857)

Lota, altar vase made of marble.
The lota is one of the primary elements present in the domestic altar and used during religious functions.
The globular shaped vase evokes the bulb of the lotus flower; the surface is smooth, silky and with a beautiful brown patina. The marble comes from Makrana, one of the most famous marble quarries, popular for use in religious sculptures and temple construction. It is mined in the city of Makrana in Rajasthan and has been used in the construction of several iconic monuments such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Dilwara Jain temples in Mount Abu (Sirohi) and the Victoria Memorial in Calcutta. Makrana marble is known for its milky white color and the appearance of translucency and crystallinity; it is listed as a global heritage stone resource by the International Union of Geological Sciences.
The vast majority of lotas were made of metal alloy and although the purpose was to contain water for ablution, the material from which it was made suggests that the owner was a wealthy gentleman of the time.
Four fabric felt pads have been applied to the bottom of the vase to prevent possible impacts.

N. B.
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