Antique Hindu Peacock Oil Lamp, India (9526BEB) $365

Description

Oil lamps (diya) are used daily by Hindus throughout India for prayer rituals (puja) performed on a home altar or in temples for devotional worship. Hindus believe that diyas are essential, as light itself is the absence of darkness and where evil forces dwell. Light and the act of lighting a lamp signify purity, virtuosity, goodness and brings one good luck and power. Most metalwork Indian-folk-art pieces with this type of design, coil details and finish are made by the dhokra peoples, using lost wax casting to produce one-of-a-kind complex articulated patterns with decorative whorls and whimsical imaginative designs. A peacock is a common motif in Indian ancient stories, poems, songs as a symbol of 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 inside. In 1963, the peacock was declared India’s National Bird due to its religious and legendary heritage in daily life, traditions and culture. There is a similar, more complex designed piece published in the Fowler Museum of Cultural History Catalogue. This piece is part of the VA Spiritual-and-Inspirational Collection of  Hindu-Cultural-and-Ritual Art.

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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.