Nepalese Oil Lamp Depicting Kneeling Male Figure

He kneels with palms pressed together, and a flame sits in front of him.

Nepali metalworkers made this oil lamp in bronze in the 20th century. Lamps of this kind are commonly used in Hindu and Buddhist households and temples for daily worship. A kneeling male figure with hands in a gesture of greeting wears a beaded necklace and a short tunic. Below him, a small lotus-form cup holds the oil and wick. The figure sits on a stepped base with a flanged plinth, and the whole sits on a dark wooden foot. The bronze is warm and golden, rubbed bright on the face.

About 8 inches tall. Light it, or let it just look devout.