An antique hand-carved wooden kharal from Rajasthan, measuring 43 cm in length.
A kharal is a traditional boat-shaped vessel typically carved from wood or stone (and occasionally clad in silver). As part of Rajasthan’s historical hospitality and cultural customs, an opium drink was prepared and offered to visiting guests. Kharals like this one were utilized as mortars to crush and grind opium resin to make the drink.
This substantial example features hand-carved stylized ram heads at each end and ornate relief carving across the exterior surface. It displays a heavy historic patina and distinct characterful wear from its active past, including the loss of one ram's ear/horn and minor historical wood splits. Today, these rustic cultural artifacts are widely repurposed in contemporary homes as decorative display bowls for fruit or bread.
Dimensions:
Specifications & Details:
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Item: Antique Indian kharal (opium grinding mortar bowl)
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Origin: Rajasthan, India
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Materials: Solid hand-carved hardwood
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Design Features: Boat-shaped profile with dual hand-carved stylized ram head terminals and exterior relief carving
Condition: Authentic antique condition with heavy patination and use wear. One ram terminal has lost an ear/horn, and minor age-related splits are present in the wood. Structurally stable. Review all high-resolution photographs to inspect the condition.
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