Enquiry about object: 7260
Lotus Bud Prayer Lamp
South India 18th-19th century
height when closed: approx. 14cm
Provenance
UK art market
This small, elegant lamp was used for Hindu puja (prayer) purposes. It is both in the form of a lotus bud and a flame.
The lotus bud is twisted around and as this is done, the hinged petals open to reveal a small dish for oil into which a wick would have been rested. Once used, the petals are twisted around again so that they return to their bud state.
The lamp sits on a flared, domed foot that is shaped as a tortoise.
The lamp has a superb, dark patina. It is in excellent condition.
References
Anderson, S., Flames of Devotion: Oil Lamps from South and Southeast Asia and the Himalayas, UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, 2006.
Kelkar, D.G., Lamps of India, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India, 1961.
Rawson, P., Tantra, Arts Council of Great Britain, 1971.