South Asia, Sri Lanka, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. This is a finely cast-brass oil lamp, made from two separate pieces featuring a mythical makara head! The large hollow reservoir chamber is a baluster shaped, like a Buddhist stupa, with several rings that taper upward to a ring finial to suspend from a chain. The baluster reservoir has a threaded base that twists flush into the lower foot, connecting and feeding oil into the spout that would have contained the wick. The spout neck is in the form of a mythical makara, a dragon-like creature - the horned head has an open mouth from which the opening for the wick spout protrudes. A concave foot supports the magnificent and elegant ensemble, and a dark patina covers the surface throughout. Size: 4" W x 6.5" H (10.2 cm x 16.5 cm)
Provenance: private Corpus Christi, Texas, USA estate collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s
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#165350
Condition
Loss to threaded joint area, but not visible when connected and does not affect overall presentation or stability. Surface abrasions from age and use. Dark patina and mineral deposits throughout. Earthen deposits within spout. Old inventory number written on base surface.