Antique 19th Century Indian Hindu Copper Sacred Nandi Bull Water Vessel 1800

An antique Indian Hindu copper Nandi (bull) lidded and handled water vessel, circa 1800.
In the Hindu faith & culture of India the bull is a sacred animal, the term Nandi means “giving joy” or “delight”, the Nandi is the scared bull of one of the most important gods, Shiva, the bull is also Shiva’s animal form and also his transport.
This vessel is finely crafted from copper and has a circular lid and hinged handle, the vessel is modeled as a bull by hand hammering using repousse technique, the head of the bull is engraved with decoration to resemble henna tattoos, the vessel stands on a circular raised foot. The head of the bull forms the spout from which water can be poured out. Condition is very good.
These style of vessels have been made for hundreds of years, this one dates to the early part of the 19th century.
Provenance: From the now defunct Portland Movement Center, a Buddhist/Hindu spiritual retreat for yoga & meditation

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