A catalogue of the Ashmolean’s collection of Indian art by J. C. Harle and Andrew Topsfield (published Oxford, 1987).
The chambu is a type of Hindu lota or water vessel, originating at Benares as a container for holy Ganges water. This chambu typically has multiple bands of incised decoration, including scenes from the early life of Krishna and of Ganesha, Shiva on his bull with the Ganges flowing from his hair, and the ten incarnations of Vishnu.
Harle, J. C., and Andrew Topsfield, Indian Art in the Ashmolean Museum (Oxford: Ashmolean Museum, 1987), no. 73 on pp. 64-65, illus. p. 65
Zebrowski, Mark, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India (London: Alexandria Press in association with Laurence King, 1997), p. 214, fig. 335
Ganesha, Vishnu
Chubby elephant-headed Hindu deity and son of Shiva and Parvati. He is the god of wisdom, bestower of wealth, and remover of obstacles who is invoked at the beginning of any enterprise.
Vishnu is, with Shiva, one of the two most important gods in later Hinduism. He is regarded as sustainer of the universe and maintainer of order. Assuming various forms (avatars), he restores the balance of good and evil in the world.
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