Indian Brass Oil Lamp

Rows of tiny raised dots march around the belly as if someone counted them twice.

This brass oil lamp is from India, and dates to the 19th century. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and its warm golden color made it a common choice for household vessels and lamps in South Asia. Plump vessel with a rope-trimmed flared mouth and a short ridge at the neck. Dotted bands circle the belly, and the spout carries a slanting, feathered pattern. The dark, patchy surface shades from brown toward gold at the high points. It is 2.5 inches wide, 4 deep and 3 high.

Patient hands, a tiny punch, and a great deal of dots.