{"product_id":"carved-teak-kharal-opium-grinder-ca-1920","title":"Carved Teak Kharal - Opium Grinder - Ca 1920","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003e20th century carved teak kharal from Rajasthan, India, was traditionally used for grinding and preparing opium\u003c\/strong\u003e. Hand-carved from a single piece of solid timber, it is a fascinating example of Indian folk craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe deep, oval-shaped bowl stands on a low, flared pedestal base and features a \u003cstrong\u003edistinctive open loop handle at one end and a narrow projecting spout at the other\u003c\/strong\u003e. The rim is decorated with a continuous series of finely incised diagonal lines, while simple crosshatched carving embellishes the handle. Its rich, dark reddish-brown patina contrasts beautifully with the lighter, smoothly worn interior, reflecting generations of handling and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOpium has played a significant role in the social and ceremonial traditions of Rajasthan for centuries.\u003c\/strong\u003e Known locally as \u003cem\u003eamal\u003c\/em\u003e, it was traditionally prepared and consumed during gatherings, religious festivals and ceremonies, often in the form of a diluted infusion known as \u003cem\u003eamal pani\u003c\/em\u003e. Wooden vessels such as this were used in its preparation and could become treasured family possessions, passed down from one generation to the next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToday, this antique Rajasthani kharal makes a wonderfully distinctive decorative object\u003c\/strong\u003e, equally attractive displayed on a shelf or coffee table, or repurposed as a characterful desk tidy for keys, coins and other small treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rajasthan, India\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solid carved teak wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-carved from a single piece of timber, deep oval bowl, open loop handle, projecting spout, incised diagonal and crosshatched decoration, raised pedestal base and rich aged patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good antique condition with surface wear, marks, minor cracks and natural variations in the timber consistent with age and traditional use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eW30 × D12.5 × H8.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58890806985087,"sku":"A03238V1","price":125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/Antique_Indian_Carved_Opium_Grinder_A03238V1.jpg?v=1792488913","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/carved-teak-kharal-opium-grinder-ca-1920","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}