Indian Brass Oil Lamp

A brass pedestal rises in beaded rings, then stops in a shallow dish.

Indian metalworkers made this oil lamp in brass in the 20th century. Lamps of this type are commonly used in households and temples, where a wick and oil are set in a dish at the top. This one stands on a wide, stepped round base with a ring of beaded edging. Above it, a bulbous, ringed stem swells and narrows, and a flat disc with a petal border carries the shallow oil dish. The brass has mellowed to a soft, warm gold.

About 13 inches tall and 11 wide. Candlelight will do if the oil is in short supply.