22 - BRONZE OILLAMP INDIA 18TH CENTURY

BRONZE OILLAMP INDIA 18TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 20 cm Wide 10 cm Depth 22 cm Weight: 1148 grams A striking bronze oil lamp cast as a peacock standing on a low, ornamented circular base. The bird extends its long neck towards a shallow, leaf-shaped lamp bowl projecting from the beak. Its rounded body is covered with patterned plumage, while the extravagant tail sweeps behind in curling relief. Golden highlights alternate with darkened areas across the sculptural surface. The peacock is a familiar emblem of beauty, dignity and auspiciousness in Indian art, appearing in both religious and courtly settings. As the bearer of a flame, its elegant body becomes an inventive support for the ritual offering of light, merging an everyday function with an image of splendour. Particularly memorable is the dialogue between the bird's proud profile, the delicate projecting bowl and the vigorous, ornamental movement of the tail.