Nepalese Oil Lamp Depicting Dancing Lion

Fierce winged figure balances on a bell base, holding up a tiny crown.

This oil lamp depicting a dancing lion is from Nepal, and dates to the 20th century. It is cast bronze. Cast bronze is made by pouring molten metal into a mold, and Nepal's Kathmandu Valley has a long history of metal casting for religious and household use. Metal stand with a flared lotus-like base, a crouching, bulging figure with raised arms and curling wings, and an ornate openwork collar supporting a ringed cup at the top. The golden surface carries dark crevices. It is 4 inches wide, 4 deep and 8 high.

Surprisingly agile for something that holds a small cup.