A beige soapstone bowl with jali work - the traditional pierced lattice carving found on old Indian stone screens - cut by hand around the body. The openwork means it is made for dry contents rather than water, and it looks particularly good with a tea light placed inside so the light comes through the lattice.

Key Features

• Traditional hand-cut jali openwork around the body
• Light passes through the lattice when a tea light is placed inside
• Pale beige natural soapstone with soft veining
• 11.43 cm diameter, comfortable tabletop size
• Smooth polished finish inside and out
• Best suited to dry contents such as potpourri

Product Details

• Material: Natural soapstone
• Colour: Beige
• Craft: Hand-carved jali work by Indian artisans
• Use: Decorative bowl for potpourri, dry decor or a tea light
• Finish: Smooth polished natural stone
• Dimensions: 11.43 x 11.43 x 5.08 cm (L x W x H) — approx. 4.5 x 4.5 x 2 inches
• Handcrafted in: India

How to Use & Style It

• On a coffee table filled with potpourri
• With a tea light inside as a lantern-style accent
• On a console with dried flowers or decorative balls
• As a housewarming or wedding gift

Care & Maintenance

• Dust the jali cuts with a soft dry brush
• Wipe with a lightly damp cloth and dry it
• Do not fill it with water - the openwork will leak
• Handle gently around the pierced sections

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill this bowl with water?

No - the jali carving is cut right through the stone, so water seeps out. Use it for potpourri, dry decor or a tea light, and pick a solid-bodied soapstone bowl if you want an urli.

What is jali work?

Jali is the traditional Indian craft of cutting an openwork lattice into stone, the same technique seen on old haveli and monument screens. Here it is cut by hand into the body of the bowl.

How do I clean the openwork?

Brush dust out of the jali cuts with a soft dry brush or an old toothbrush, then wipe the bowl with a lightly damp cloth and dry it. Avoid steel scrubbers and strong cleaners.

Can I place a candle inside it?

Yes, and it looks its best that way. A tea light inside pushes light out through the lattice, so the bowl works as a soft lantern on a coffee table or console.

Is each piece identical to the one shown in the images?

The design, size and finish stay the same, but natural stone carries its own grain and colour tone. Minor variation in shade, veining and carving detail is expected in hand-carved soapstone and makes each piece unique.

Handcrafted in India from natural soapstone. As every piece is carved and polished by hand, slight variations in shade, veining and carving detail are natural and make your piece one of a kind.

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