Indian Brass Oil Lamp

Tall in the neck and long in the spout, with a wide dish of a mouth on top.

This brass oil lamp is from India, and dates to the 19th century. Lamps are lit in Hindu homes and temples as part of daily devotion, and light is generally taken to stand for knowledge overcoming darkness. Broad, dark shoulder swells under a wide saucer-shaped lip, and a long straight spout reaches out to the left with a small flaring tip. Bands of fine stamped texture circle the neck and belly. The foot is ringed and the surface is smoky and even. It is 3 inches wide, 5 deep and 4 high.

Built like a small gravy boat that went to art school.