Lot #54: Vintage Brass Hindu Devotional Oil Lamp (Diya) – South India, Mid-20th Century

This beautifully cast vintage brass devotional oil lamp is a striking example of traditional Indian metalwork, combining spiritual symbolism with sculptural presence. The piece features a seated Hindu goddess in high relief, framed by an ornate radiating halo (prabhavali) and supported by a deep, heart-shaped oil basin below. Crafted in solid brass, the lamp displays rich golden tones and an authentic aged patina developed through years of devotional use. The goddess is seated on a lotus throne, a powerful symbol of purity, abundance, and enlightenment, while the intricate floral and foliate detailing reflects South Indian temple-inspired design. Originally intended for use with oil and cotton wick during prayer or meditation, this lamp now works equally well as a decorative sculptural object, a spiritual accent, or a focal point in a curated interior. It presents exceptionally well in gallery, zen, or eclectic spaces and appeals to collectors of ethnographic art and spiritual décor alike. Details • Material: Solid cast brass • Origin: India (likely South India) • Period: Circa 1950s–1970s • Condition: Vintage condition with natural patina and signs of age consistent with devotional use A timeless and soulful object that carries both artistic beauty and spiritual heritage—ideal for collectors, designers, or anyone drawn to meaningful, globally inspired décor. Dimensions: 3”W-4”D-5”H Pickup category timeslot {A}