Matsya Surmadhani

Shaped like a mythic fish and crowned with a human face, this pure brass Surmadhani (kohl container) is a striking nod to folk artistry and symbolic storytelling. Traditionally used to store and apply surma (kohl), this piece fuses form and function with a dose of old-world drama.

The fish—Matsya—is often seen as a symbol of fertility, protection, and abundance in Indian mythology. The intricate scales, bold facial features, and the delicate screw-top applicator attached to a chain all speak to a time when even the everyday object was imbued with character and care.