Small, Himalayan-Indian Cast Bronze Lamp with Monkey Handle

This pleasing and whimsical small cast brass lamp comprises a monkey-shaped handle, a central pot for oil, and a tear-shaped pan at the front where the oil is burned via a small wick that would be placed in the pan.

The oil pot has a flared base and a body beautifully cast with lotus petals. The oil pan is decorated with leafy motifs.

The monkey has been cast as if he is trying to climb up the bot to have a look inside, thereby supplying the shape of the handle.

The styling of the lamp is Himalayan and similar to lamps from Nepal, but this example is likely to have originated in India’s Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh.

The handle allows the lamp to be moved clockwise in front of a deity as part of the arati ritual, a component of puja worship. The lamp would be moved in a clockwise direction before the image.

The lamp has a deep brown patina and obvious age. It is in fine condition. A related example is illustrated in Anderson (2006, p. 57).