Indian Brass Oil Lamp

A smooth, lidded cylinder in glowing gold-brown, banded neatly at the base.

This oil lamp in brass and glass is from India, and dates to the 20th century. Oil lamps burn a wick drawn up through liquid fuel, and in India they have long been used in homes and shrines, notably during festivals of light such as Diwali. A tall, straight-sided canister with a flat lid etched with concentric rings, and a joint line around the upper third. The foot widens in stepped moldings. The finish is glossy and deeply warm, with small dark spots. It is 2.5 inches high and 2 in diameter.

Trim, round, and fully committed to being cylindrical.