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Bakunda Ritual Vessel

Dated equivalent to 1719
Not on view
This ritual vessel contained oil used to mark a mandala on the floor to evoke the goddess Arya Tara/Lakshmi during the Tihar festival of lights. This family ritual was done to bring prosperity to a child. A Bakunda set of vessels would have included a second container for cooked rice. According to modern practice, family members will give new clothing, and after the mother has conducted this ritual, the father will give the child money. The handles are decorated with floral patterns, and around the foot is an inscription that provides the date of this initiation ritual.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bakunda Ritual Vessel
  • Date: Dated equivalent to 1719
  • Culture: Nepal, Bhaktapur
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); W. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm); Diam. of rim: 6 in. (15.2 cm); Diam. of foot: 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Zimmerman Family Collection, Gift of the Zimmerman Family, 2021
  • Object Number: 2021.326.2
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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