Indian Brass Oil Lamp

A round-shouldered little pourer that wears a stamped rosette like a brooch on its flank.

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. Squat globe body rises to a flared, rope-edged mouth, with a long spout angling out low on one side. Bands of tiny beaded and herringbone patterning circle the belly, and a small round medallion sits near the shoulder. The surface is warm and softly rubbed. It is 3 inches wide, 4.75 deep and 4.25 high.

Small vessel, large ambitions in the ornament department.