Indian Hanging Temple Ornament

Calmly, a hanging lantern shaped like a pagoda, with tiny pendant ornaments dangling beneath.

This carved wooden hanging temple ornament is from Maharashtra, India, and dates to the mid 19th century. It is wood. Carved wood has long been used in western India for temple and house fittings, and ornaments of this kind were generally hung from beams, porches or shrine canopies. Presented simply, a dark grey-brown hanging piece with a ring at the top and a domed, tiered roof. Two broad discs sit below, and small rounded pendants and loops dangle from the lower edge. The surface is pitted and softly weathered. It is 6 inches wide, 6 deep and 10 high.

Built to sway, and clearly enjoys the attention.