7-Inches Kalash Leaves Design | Antique Silver Lota

A kalash is the pot placed at the centre of a puja, filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut. This one is copper, 7 inches tall, engraved all over with leaves and vines and standing on a pedestal foot. It is the heavier of our two kalash despite being the shorter — copper is denser than brass, and you feel it when you pick it up.

Product details

• Height: 7 inches
• Outer diameter: 6.5 inches
• Weight: 820 g (approx. 1.8 lb)
• Material: copper, nickel-plated and oxidised to an antique silver finish
• Decoration: engraved leaves and vines; medallion on the base
• Base: pedestal foot
• Handmade in India
• Not dishwasher safe

Why this one

• 820 g (approx. 1.8 lb) in a 7-inch pot. Heavier than the taller elephant kalash, which is what copper does. It sits solidly with water and a coconut on top.
• Copper underneath — the metal traditionally used for ritual water vessels — nickel-plated and oxidised so the antique silver settles into the engraving.
• Engraved, not stamped. The leaf and vine work is cut into the surface and runs right around the body, with a medallion worked into the base.
• Pedestal foot. It stands on a raised base rather than sitting flat, which lifts it on a thali and keeps the bottom dry.

Which one do I need

We make the kalash in two designs, near enough the same size:

• 7.5-inch elephant kalash — brass, elephants and flowers in relief, $140

Where it works

• The centre of a puja thali for Kalash Sthapana
• A griha pravesh or housewarming
• A home mandir, kept filled between ceremonies
• Varalakshmi Vratam, Navratri and Satyanarayan Puja
• Holding peacock feathers or lotus stems as everyday decor

Gifting

The safe choice for a griha pravesh, because a kalash is what people traditionally bring to a new home and almost every household will use one. It also suits a wedding, Varalakshmi Vratam and Navratri. Plain packaging, no price on it. Ordering several for a temple or an event — get in touch first and we will confirm stock.

Frequently asked questions

Will mango leaves and a coconut sit on it?
Yes. The mouth is wide enough to seat a ring of leaves and a standard coconut on top.

Can I fill it with water?
Yes. Empty and dry it the same day rather than leaving water standing in it.

Why is the smaller one heavier?
Because this one is copper and the 7.5-inch elephant kalash is brass. Copper is the denser metal, so you get more weight in less height.

Is this German silver?
Not literally, and we would rather say so plainly. German silver — also sold as nickel silver — is a copper, nickel and zinc alloy that contains no silver in it at all. This piece is copper, nickel-plated and then oxidised so the darkening settles into the recesses of the engraving. A lot of this category gets sold as German silver regardless of what is actually underneath, so it is worth knowing which you are buying.

Is it a lota or a kalash?
Both words are used for this shape. Kalash is the ritual name, lota the everyday one.

Can I use it as a vase?
Yes. It holds peacock feathers, lotus stems and cut flowers well. Use a liner if you would rather not put water in it directly.

How do I clean it?
Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Do not put it in the dishwasher and do not use abrasive scourers or acidic cleaners — they will cut through the plating. Between uses, store it in a sealed plastic bag; that slows tarnishing more than anything else you can do.

Will it tarnish?
Silver plating darkens over time, and the antique finish is designed to sit in the recesses and deepen the pattern as it does. That is the intended look. If you want it brighter, a light buff with a dry cloth on the raised areas will lift it.

Can I order several for an event?
Yes — get in touch before you order if you need more than a few. We can usually help on price for larger quantities and confirm stock before you commit to a date.

What if it arrives damaged?
Every order is insured. Photograph the box and the piece and contact us, and we will sort out a replacement or a refund.

Shipping

Free insured shipping across the USA and Canada. Ships from San Ramon, California, usually within one business day.

Browse the rest of the Antique Silver range, or our Diwali & Festive Decor.