An antique papier-mâché bowl from India, made also with bits of ripped cotton. Mixing in natural fibres to these crafted works was commonly exercised in order to increase strength and add longevity.
What is unusual with this piece, however, is the terracotta footing of this bowl, having first been fired to fit to size and then affixed with the papier-mâché.
The terracotta is a light, neutral shade, with the base of the foot left untreated to display the typical rusty hue of brown we are accustomed to, indicating that the piece could have had a slip painted on and fired in a kiln before being attached to the bowl.
It bears weight, yet maintains an air of lightness with its delicacy.
