Bronze Deepa Lakshmi Votive Lamp From Tamil Nadu - 19th Century Period - Late 18th Century Similar examples can be found

Similar examples can be found in Wooden Wonders: Tibetan Furniture in Secular and Religious Life by Kamansky (plate 89) and Auspicious by Design by Corona

27 x 19 x 26(w x d x h cms)

20 x 20 x 32(w x d x h cms)

Also available in white marble

a fragile art form that rarely survives in such fine condition

Bronze Deepa Lakshmi Votive Lamp From Tamil Nadu - 19th Century Period - Late 18th Century Similar examples can be foundThese antique South Indian votive oil lamps are made from cast bronze and originate from Tamil Nadu. Lamps like these are used in a family shrine or Hindu temple. They are called deepa Lakshmi or kamakshi villaku and depict Lakshmi, the goddess of power and wealth on the backplate often flanked by elephants. The design is such that the light honors and illuminates the goddess. A wick would have been positioned in the lip at the front. Deepa Lakshmi