Indian Brass Oil Lamp

Plain and pleasant, a shallow dish sits on a smooth hourglass stand.

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. Plainly, a round dish with a slim rolled rim sits on a long concave stem that spreads into a wide, ringed foot. The surface is a pale yellow-gold with fine dark lines near the base and soft rubbed patches on the bowl. It is 2.25 inches high and 2.5 in diameter.

Not a frill in sight, and none missed.