Antique Brass Indian Hand Warmer

Small Brass Hand Warmer or Rolling Lamp with Gimbal Mechanism

India

late 19th century

diameter: 7.8 cm

This handwarmer or lamp comprises two hemispherical interlocking brass parts with pierced and incised openwork with floral motifs, and an internal gimbal mechanism. This comprises a pair of concentric rings that move on pivots to ensure that the attached small oil lamp will remain upright even as the sphere is turned in the hand.

Kelkar (1961) comments that the gaiety of the Mughal harem on summer nights was enhanced when “veiled damsels played with lamplets which were freely thrown about as in a ball game. As can be guessed, these little lamps were of gyroscopic contraption.”

References

Examples of spherical Indian handwarmers or incense burners with gimbals are shown in Zebrowski, M., Gold, Silver & Bronze from Mughal India, Alexandria Press, 1997, p. 126-7. Also, Kelkar, D.G., Lamps of India, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India, 1961, fig. 12, 13.Inventory no.: 511

SOLD (2009)