Of crescent-shaped form with twin scrolling finials, the waisted neck with convex ring and leaf-shaped collar, a short, tapered spout at one end, standing on rhomboid base
This distinctive form probably derives from leather vessels made of goatskin, evoking the crescent moon. Mark Zebrowski (Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, London 1997, pp.198-205) discusses the form and illustrates several similar examples, most of which he dates to the 16th or 17th century. This type of vessel also appears in a number of Indian paintings and drawings, including an early 17th century drawing of a procession of Rao Ratan of Bundi in the Mittal Collection, Hyderabad (Zebrowski, pl.302, p.199)