A surahi is a jug or pitcher with a long, slim neck and a rounded body, and sometimes features a handle or spout. Surahis were commonly used for storing water, wine and other drinks. However, more ornamental versions, made of materials other than clay such as brass, copper, silver, gold, and jade or semi-precious stones were also used to serve these drinks, especially among royalty, and were frequently depicted in Persian and Indian miniature paintings. The present lot features a chase paisley pattern and the finial of the spout is fashioned like the mouth of a fish a symbol of fertility and abundance in Indian mythology.