Nepalese Sukunda or Oil Lamp, with Ganesh and Naga

A serpent rises from the handle. Seeds and red pigment still sit in the pan.

This sukunda, or oil lamp, with Ganesh and Naga comes from Nepal and dates to the 18th century. It is cast bronze. Sukundas were traditionally lit at the opening of worship in Nepal, and Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, is a familiar presence on them. The Naga, a serpent deity, forms the handle, its scaled body arching up to a hooded head. A small hinged plaque stands among the leaf-shaped pans, above a smooth round belly and flared foot. Five inches high and nearly six wide.

Whatever else has changed, the serpent has not moved.