Naga oil lamp

Object Details

• Description

  The bronze lamp hangs from a linked chain and bent hook, the main component in the shape of a serpent with an upraised head and tail. The head supports a flat dish that held the oil, where a small wick would have provided the flame. The serpent has an open mouth with pronounced teeth and extended tongue, the upper half of the body is incised with circles representing scales, and the belly side is ribbed with projecting bands.

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas (March 25, 2023 - ongoing)

  Power in Southeast Asia (October 14, 2017 to March 13, 2020)

• Origin

  Java, Indonesia

• Credit Line

  Gift of Ann and Gilbert Kinney

• Type

  Furniture and Furnishing

• On View

  Sackler Gallery 22a: The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1300s

• Place

  Java, Indonesia

• Topic

  Art, Southeast Asian Art, Dragon, Metal-work

• Culture

  Southeast Asians

• Object Type

  Furniture, Furnishings

• On View

  Yes