Antique Indian Dhokra Art Nandi Bull Ritual Cart, Chariot Incense Burner, Altar

A beautiful and authentic vintage Indian ritual cart. This piece was handcrafted in India around the mid-20th century by a tribal artisan using a traditional metal casting technique known as Dhokra, meaning no two items are ever exactly alike. This versatile object was designed to serve multiple functions in a home shrine or during domestic rituals. It is a miniature version of a temple chariot (ratha) and features the head of Nandi, the sacred bull who is the divine vehicle of the Hindu god Shiva. The cart could have been used as a symbolic offering, an incense burner (dhoopdani) for holding fragrant resins, or as a traditional oil lamp (diya) where the points on the rim could hold lit wicks. It is a small cart with a bowl-shaped body on four wheels. The entire piece is covered in intricate, textured patterns created by the unique Dhokra wax-thread technique. The front is adorned with the head of the sacred Nandi bull, a symbol of devotion, strength, and righteousness. The rim of the bowl has a distinctive design of triangular cut-outs. This is a vintage item in good condition for its age. It has a beautiful, dark patina that has developed naturally over the years. Please note that there are minor signs of wear consistent with its age and history. I am selling this piece "as is," without polishing or cleaning it, as many collectors prefer to preserve the authentic, untouched patina that gives the object its character and value.