Indian Bronze Oil Lamp

A wide, shallow plate on a curving branch, with a little cup tucked beside it.

This bronze oil lamp is from India, and dates to the 20th century. Lamps are lit in India as a sign of welcome and auspiciousness, and the flame is often associated with dispelling darkness or ignorance. A broad dish with a raised rim sits above a curved stem that sweeps down to a small round cup. The whole thing stands on two low round feet joined by a thin bar. Dark gold tones with dusty patches. It is 3 inches wide, 5 deep and 2.5 high.

Part plate, part cup, entirely a fine bit of plumbing.