Description Kerala Brass Alloy A finely cast lamp showing the seated Goddess Lakshmi being lustrated from water by a pair of elephants flanking her. She holds a lotus bud in each hand while a pair of temple lamps are placed to either side. A finely carved pierced arch encircles the central figures composed of interlocking hamsas ( geese). The arch is supported on either side by rearing vyalis (mythical leonine beasts). Hanging lamps, sometimes called chain lamps, may have originated from as far afield as Greece or Rome, entering South Asia from the early ports of Arikamedu and Mammalapuram (both near present day Chennai). Used primarily in a temple context, the chain lamp cast its light broadly, and in so doing extended spiritual agency. Much like other lamp types, it served as a backdrop to images placed before it on the altar. A group of hanging temple lamps within the temple would have generated a tremendous play of light and shadows over walls, ceilings and floors. Size (cms): 27(H) x 25(W) x 17.5(D), 112(H with chain) Size (inches): 10.5(H) x 10(W) x 7(D), 44(H with chain)
