Indian Brass Oil Lamp

Imagine a shallow dish on a flared pedestal, blushing pink and rubbed gold in the bowl.

This brass, copper and alloy oil lamp is from India, and dates to the 20th century. Metal lamps are usually cast, with a shallow bowl for oil and a wick resting in a spout, a simple design that has changed little over time. Here, a wide round dish with a rolled rim sits on a hollow waisted pedestal that widens into a flat foot. Pinkish and pale areas show inside the bowl, and the golden-brown body is darkened and dented near the base. It is 2.25 inches high and 2.25 in diameter.

Pedestal manners, worn to a very warm glow.