Indian Bronze Anointing Temple

A peacock has taken the highest seat. Elephants and small figures arrange themselves below.

This anointing temple is bronze, from Gujarat, India, early 19th century. Anointing, the bathing of a deity's image with water, milk and other offerings, is a long-standing rite in Hindu and Jain worship. Four turned columns lift a ribbed dome crowned by the peacock. Along the roof edge, birds, elephants and tiny attendants stand in procession. Below lies a square tray, with a pierced lattice apron, a small mask at the front and clawed feet at the corners. The metal is dark and silvery, warmer on the columns. Forty-six inches high.

Empty, it still keeps the room's attention.