An unusual South Indian bronze inscribed Lotta 17th/18th century The U-shaped ritual water vessel is worked to show three recumbent bulls and alternating yoni/lingams, the sides with fanged masks, solar, lunar and trident symbols, base inscribed, which may be translated as 'Maruta muttutaiya dedicated this lotta to Perinayakikku u payam at the temple of Cokkanatapuram.'. H: 3 1/4., 8.3 cm; L: 3 in., 7.6 cm. PROVENANCE: Collection of Ken & Christine Gruen previously in the personal collection of Dr. Stella Kamrisch, sold Jaipaul Gallery, Philadelphia, June 26, 1987 to the present owners.