Newari Ceramic Oil Lamp

Fired clay, pressed with care, and holding a quiet little pool.

Newari potters of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, made this oil lamp in terra cotta in the late 19th or early 20th century. Clay lamps are commonly used across Nepal for daily and festival offerings. A deep, tapered basin sits inside a body that appears to have a curled form, with ribbing along its sides, and a rounded head or mass at the rear. The clay is gray-brown and darkened with age and old soot. Surfaces are rough and worn.

About six inches long and four wide. A good bowl for keys or a good bowl for thinking.