Hand-hewn from a single block of dense hardwood, this sculptural container once traveled with an itinerant sapera (snake charmer) across the dusty roads of India. Its silhouette rises on four rounded feet that elevate the square body like a miniature shrine, while a removable cap hints at the secret ritual objects—herbs, talismans, or perhaps a tiny cobra—that may have been stowed inside.
Concentric incised lines ripple across every face, culminating in a cross-hatched motif on the lid that echoes the undulating rhythm of a charmer’s pungi flute. Snake charming is deeply rooted in Indian folk tradition, revered for its blend of healing, magic, and spectacle—a history that infuses this vessel with narrative power.
A rich cocoa-brown patina testifies to decades of use: high points burnished to a warm glow, valleys darkened with umber, and scattered abrasions that speak to life on the road. These irregularities are not flaws but authentic hallmarks of an object that has lived a storied life.
Styling notes for designers
Anchor a wabi-sabi vignette on a travertine pedestal, where the carved geometry contrasts with sleek stone.
Layer it among studio pottery and primitive stools to underscore its tribal roots in a collected-global interior.
Let its sculptural presence soften the sharp lines of a contemporary bookshelf or console.
A singular fusion of folk craft, architectural form, and organic texture—ready to become the conversation-starting jewel in your next Chairish-worthy vignette.
Details
Type: Snake Vessel Materials: Wood Period: Antique Origin: India
Condition
Scrapes, scratches, and abrasions; surface wear and irregularities.
