Indian Brass Oil Lamp

Slim, stepped column on a round base, topped by a stubby little spindle.

This brass oil lamp is from India, and dates to the 19th century. A traditional lamp has a shallow bowl for the oil, a spout or channel for the wick and often a handle or stand. Tall cylindrical body is built from stacked sections that narrow toward the top, finished with a short peg. It stands on a broad, turned, stepped foot. The surface is worn golden with dark patches, and the joins between sections are clearly visible. It is 7.6 inches high and 3.1 in diameter.

Plain-spoken in shape, and it has never once apologized.