Indian Oil Lamp with Lakshmi Motif

Armrests, a high back and a deep seat make this flame holder oddly comfortable.

This brass, copper and alloy oil lamp with a Lakshmi motif is from Karnataka, South India, and dates to the early 20th century. Lakshmi is a major Hindu goddess of prosperity, and her image is often placed on lamps, doors and household shrines. At a glance, the back is a dense field of dots, curls and a central seated figure under a crest. Slim side arms reach toward a wide, shallow bowl. A beaded rim circles the waisted base, which has a warm golden sheen over dark crevices. It is 3.6 inches wide, 4 deep and 5.1 high.

Plenty of ornament, and not a bare inch to spare.