Small, Engraved Silver Butter Lamp, Tibet, 19th century

Large Silver Butter Lamp

This fine, large yak butter lamp is of high-grade, almost pure, silver. Its form is reminiscent of a Christian chalice. It would have been used on an altar, filled to the brim with yak butter oil and with a single wick floating in the oil.

The baluster-form stem is richly formed with prominent lotus petal decoration.

The lamp is in a fine, stable condition without significant losses, dents or repairs. Its age is obvious as is the patina, with the contours having been rounded and softened from years of use and handling. This is a marvellous example.

It dates to the 18th century and possibly earlier.

UK art market