Description Karnataka Brass Alloy A finely wrought brass lamp surmounted by an upright gander (hamsa) on a pedestal. A shallow circular reservoir with petal shaped spouts allow for ease of pouring and collecting oil for the lamp. Wicks for the lamp would have been placed along this channel. It is the auspicious hamsa that is the most referential aspect of the lamp, and each section of its body is elaborated inscribed with designs. The hamsa is one of the most important of the Indian birds and is a familiar motif in Indian art, literature, sculpture and textiles. Revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, it plays a prominent role in mythology, folklore, literature and religion. In Vedic times the hamsa was connected with the sun and represented virility. It is reputed to eat pearls and to be able to separate milk from water. The hamsa is the vahana of Brahma. The lamp is conceived as the vehicle through which the divine can be accessed. Lamps are used in rituals within the domestic realm, as well as religious or temple settings, in order to propitiate the gods. There are innumerable ways in which lamps are employed depending on the specific location and society. Within the more private setting of the home, the lamp is used in Hindu practice to activate the presence of the deity with the arati ritual – the moving of a lamp, held on a plate, in a circular fashion in front of an image. This allows the devotee to acknowledge and to accept blessings. Size (cms): 81(H) x 26(W) x 26(D) Size (inches): 32(H) x 10(W) x 10(D)
