A PAIR OF BRASS URLI (FOOD CAULDRONS) WITH APPLIED GECKO DECORATION
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE GERMAN COLLECTION
South India, early 20th century

Each of typical shallow rounded shape, resting on four small rounded feet soldered to the base, rising to an everted rim with flattened and curved edges acting as handles, the interior plain, the exterior embellished with applied decoration comprising of rosette heads, a gecko on each urli, and heart-shaped medallions enhanced with circular studs, each 11.5cm high and 28cm diam.

Urlis are typical vessels of the Southern regions of India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The name urli derives from the Tamil word "urulai" [உருளை] which means a round bowl. These vessels served multiple functions: originally used as cooking cauldrons, they entered the world of Ayurveda as pharmaceutical cauldrons to prepare healing concoctions and natural medicines. With time, urlis started being used as ceremonial cauldrons as well, filled with water and floating flowers, petals and candles, often encountered at the entrance of Hindu houses during special ceremonies and festivals.