Indian Oil Lamp Depicting Lakshmi

Little brass throne holds up a peaked frame and keeps its green secrets.

This oil lamp depicting lakshmi is from Karnataka, South India, and dates to the 20th century. It is brass. Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune, and she is honored with lamps at Diwali, the festival of lights. Chair-shaped piece with a tall pointed back carrying low-relief ornament and a seated figure. A basin forms the seat, with an open arm at one side. The cylindrical base is banded, and green crust sits in the golden crevices. It is 3.5 inches wide, 3.75 deep and 5.5 high.

Sits tall, even without a cushion.