Indian Brass Oil Lamp

Throne-shaped lamp with a flaming arch and red stains pooled in its seat.

This oil lamp is from Karnataka, South India, and dates to the early 20th century. It is brass, copper & alloy. Karnataka in South India has a long tradition of brass and bronze work, and lamps are among the household and temple objects made there. Small metal piece shaped like a chair, with a tall arched back crowded with relief ornament and a seated figure at the center. A shallow basin forms the seat, flecked with red pigment. The stepped base has a scalloped outline. It is 3.5 inches wide, 3.5 deep and 5 high.

Small seat, grand backdrop.