Antique Cast Bronze Vishnu Diya Oil Lamp, (Perumal Namam) South India (9571C)

Description

Unique oil lamps (diyas), made for Hindu deities, are recognized by their distinct designs, symbols or figures. They are used in homes and temples by Hindu devotees for daily prayers (puja) who wish to express their religious commitment and devotion to particular and significant Hindu deities.

Vishnu diyas are an integral part of a Hindu tradition of devotion by a major Hindu denomination called Vaishnavism, whose followers are called Vaishnavites or Vaishnavas. These devotees consider Vishnu the Supreme Hindu Lord who, along with his nine incarnations or avatars, is tasked with protecting and preserving the universe.

This wonderfully shaped heavy bronze ritual 19^th century Vishnu votive oil lamp (Perumal Namam Vilakku) is exceptionally dense, created with the lost wax technique, making it a one-of-a kind treasure. Its heavy thick-walled construction is characteristic of early master foundry work from Tamil Nadu in South India. Its round, base with  a frontal projection holds a wick immersed i oil and the short walled shallow cup stores additional oil.

This diya is an  exceptional example of late 19^th century Sri Vaishnavism devotional art. The backplate is topped by a  lotus above a beautiful hand sculptured Naman- the sacred vertical mark, (Urdhva Pundra) worn on the forehead by followers of Vaishnavism which represents Lord Vishnu’s sacred foot print. The outer lines represent the two feet of Nayarana, another name for Vishnu, and the center dividing line symbolizes Vishnu’s consort Laxmi the goddess of wealth, fortune and fertility. Together they are the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies of a blessed Hindu marriage. Lakshmi is the deity who promises both material and spiritual fulfillment.

This lamp is an incredible example of the historic and spiritual traditions of Tamil Nadu cultural art. Naturally buffed to a soft, muted gold on the high-contact spots from generations of ritual handling and devotional use, the shallow basin retains genuine, calcified green verdigris rings where ritual oils sat stagnant for over a century. This masterful massive 22.6 oz diya is top-tier collector quality.