Indian Brass Oil Lamp

Sturdy, upright, and banded like a well-dressed pot, spout tucked in on the right.

This brass oil lamp is from India, and dates to the 19th century. Oil lamps have been used in India for thousands of years, burning ghee or vegetable oil with a cotton wick for light and for worship. Rounded body with a clear waist line and low foot ring, under a flared mouth with a plain rim. Two decorated bands, one twisted like rope, circle the shoulder and belly. The spout is ribbed near the tip, and the finish is golden brown. It is 2.5 inches wide, 4 deep and 3 high.

A respectable little vessel with excellent posture.