Indian or Sri Lankan Brass Hanging Lamp in the Form of a Bird

This particularly well-cast hanging lamp is in the form of a bird – most probably a peacock.

It has a domed foot on which it can stand, as well as being able to be hung from its suspension chain. (It stands easily and without rocking.) The foot is surmounted by a large, winged bird with a crested head, a long, fine beak, ample wings, and a long tail. Each aspect has been finely chased and engraved, including a particularly beautiful leaf and flower band around the bird’s chest.

The lamp component protrudes from the foot and emerges from the open mouth of a fanged makara. The hinged lid of the lamp section is surmounted by a rearing cobra. A small aperture in the lid allows the lit wick to protrude.

A heavy brass chain is attached to the bird’s back to allow suspension. A sturdy hook is at the end, and midway, there is a decorative canopy element.

The form of the lamp is from South India, though certain details of the engraved decoration are much more in keeping with Sri Lanka.

A related example attributed to the 18th century and ‘possibly Mysore’ is in the British Museum and illustrated in Blurton (1992, p. 223). That example entered the British Museum’s collection in 1919.

Hanging lamps are commonly found in temple sanctuaries. This type, with the body of the bird acting as a reservoir for the oil, is common from Rajasthan in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south, and of course, Sri Lanka as well.

This example is in excellent condition. It is particularly sculptural and the detailing is splendid.