Indian Brass Fish Container

Large Multi-Segmented Fish-Form Brass Container

This unusually large articulated model in brass of a fish is from India. It has two inset red glass cabochons to serve as eyes. It has a stopper that screws into the fish’s mouth.

Often, the purposes of such Indian articulated fish are described either as a kohl or hair oil container. However, this example is too large for either. Perhaps it was intended to serve as a gunpowder container. But the segments of the fish are not airtight so that the contents of whatever might be stored inside would tend to leak out. So perhaps the fish here was intended to be decorative. It does however, have a good patina and shows significant wear from handling suggesting a purpose other than ornamental.

It is a very pleasing item, with fine form and patina.

UK art market