Antique Hindu Bronze Peacock Oil Lamp, Central India (9526)

Description

This antique brass peacock oil lamp, also known as an Annam Vilakku  is from Central India, in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh or Maya Pradesh. Hindus use oil lamps (diya) daily for prayers (puja) and larger lamps like this were placed in temples or as centerpiece lamps for family home shrines. They are used extensively during festivals like Diwali  (Festival of Lights).

Light is the absence of darkness where evil forces dwell and the act of lighting a lamp signifies purity, virtuosity, goodness and brings one good luck and power. Most metalwork pieces with this design, coil details and finish are made by the Dhokra people, using lost wax casting to produce one-of-a-kind complex articulated patterns with decorative whorls and whimsical imaginative designs.

The hollow body is a reservoir for oil, traditionally ghee or vegetable oil. Its long, columnar stand sits on a flared base with raised and etched geometric patterns. The graceful peacock has a prominent crest, a beak as a spout for the wick, and a stylized  outstretched tail. Above is a smaller peacock with striated lines forming the object’s lid. The peacock is a common motif in Indian ancient stories, poems, songs symbolizing love, joy, peace, and harmony.  A protector whose screech warns people of danger, its feathers are placed in homes and are said to protect a home’s energy and attract wealth. In 1963, the peacock was declared India’s National Bird due to its religious and legendary heritage. A similar, more complex designed piece is in the Fowler Museum of Cultural History Catalogue Flames of Devotion.

AI Market Valuation Summary

AI rates this piece as  Exceptional, High-tier Collectors  Value for the following reasons:

This 19th-century lost-wax bronze peacock oil lamp with extraordinary details and soft oxidized brown coloration patina from decades of use make it a high tier collector-quality piece.  The elegant wing circles, stylized plumage, and geometric tribal patterns on the base reflect Indian lost-wax casting, making this piece one of a kind.  Its complex structure is composed of multi-tiered components—a heavy base, domed pedestal, elegant column, finely modeled peacock reservoir topped with a smaller peacock spout, and rear finger ring add to its prized value.

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Sources 

Sean Anderson, Flames of Devotion: Oil Lamps from South and Southeast Asia and the Himalayas, Los Angeles, UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, 2006 (Plate 8 p.33).                                                                                                                                                                 Sanskrit Magazine.com, Significance of Peacock Feather in Hinduism.                                                                                                     C.Nichole Triplett, Hindu Mysticism.