Maharashtra
Polychromed clay fruits and lacquer tray
The decorative group of delicately modelled fruits reflects the skill and creative flair of the ‘karigar’ who crafted them. Among the realistically rendered fruits are a pair of bananas, a diminutive pineapple, a cluster of grapes, a watermelon slice, a custard apple, a pomegranate, and a pear. The fruits sit on a stained black Burmese lacquer tray adorned with floral sprigs.
Fruit offerings, known as “phala” in Sanskrit, hold an auspicious role in Hindu puja rituals. Fresh fruit offerings symbolize respect, gratitude, and devotion to the gods and goddesses. Clay and other artificial fruits were sometimes used as substitutes for these offerings, providing the same ritual merit as their fresh counterparts. These clay offerings were meticulously crafted to closely resemble real fruits in appearance. Unlike fresh fruit, they were considered a more affordable, durable, and accessible alternative in smaller rural villages and towns.
Size (cms): 6(H) x 31(Diam)
Size (inches): 2.5(H) x 12(Diam)
