Antique Hindu Peacock Oil Lamp, H: 13″ India (9526)

Description

Oil lamps (diya) are used daily by Indian Hindus for prayer rituals (puja) on home altars or in temples. 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 contrast between decorative motifs and plain unarticulated areas in this graceful lamp emphasize the large peacock’s form and follow its wings to the outstretched tail. Above the large peacock whose body is the reservoir for oil, a smaller peacock composed of striated lines forms the object’s lid. 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. There is a similar, more complex designed piece published in the Fowler Museum of Cultural History Catalogue Flames of Devotion.

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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.