Round, footed bowl-form base and tapering stepped lid are heavily cast in bronze and then finished by lathe-turning to enhance the concentric stepped pattern on the lid and the incised rings encircling the base. The bronze retains its natural patina from age and use. There are areas of reddish-brown and small patches or verdigris on the exterior. The interior of the lid shows overall verdigris with numerous patches of brown encrustation. The interior of the bowl is blackish with turquoise verdigris on the base and along the rim. The interior of the tall foot is encrusted with a variegated patina. The stupa shape suggests a religious function as an offering vessel on a family or temple altar. Containers like this one may also have been used for spices or cosmetics.