{"product_id":"antique-indian-bronze-urli-cooking-vessel","title":"Bronze Urli Festival Cooking Vessel From South India - 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrafted in South India during the late 19th century, this substantial bronze cauldron — known locally as an \u003cem\u003eUrli\u003c\/em\u003e (ഉരുളി) — reflects a long-standing culinary and cultural tradition. Traditionally used in Tamil and Malayali households for preparing large quantities of food, Urlis were positioned over open flames and lifted using wooden poles passed through their sturdy loop handles. Each vessel was central to communal cooking and ceremonial gatherings, embodying both function and ritual significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrlis was cast using the ancient \u003cem\u003elost wax\u003c\/em\u003e method (\u003cem\u003ecire perdue\u003c\/em\u003e), a process that ensured every piece was unique. Once the metal was poured and cooled, the clay mould was destroyed — meaning no two Urlis were ever identical. The bronze’s high copper content, often referred to as \u003cem\u003ebell metal\u003c\/em\u003e, imparts a warm, golden tone that has mellowed beautifully over time. Its rich patina, softened by age and use, speaks to generations of craftsmanship and daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Urlis are highly sought after as sculptural statement pieces. This example makes a stunning decorative bowl, water feature, or planter — carrying with it the enduring artistry of South India’s metalworking heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South India\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 19th Century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast bronze (bell metal alloy)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-cast using the lost wax process; robust loop handles with sculptural detailing; naturally aged patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent antique condition with age-appropriate wear and surface oxidisation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eW60 x D55 x H19 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"BinderKing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53550870167861,"sku":"A03063","price":759.11,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/5243\/2181\/files\/A03063Detail1.jpg?v=1789232231","url":"https:\/\/binderking.shop\/products\/antique-indian-bronze-urli-cooking-vessel","provider":"BinderKing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}