Pair of lamps of fortune (dipalakshmi) oil lamps

S2000.9.1: Bronze sculpture of male figure, mustachioed, leaning on proper left hip, with protruding belly. Hands outstretched in front holding oil basin. On square base topped by round pedestal upon which figure stands.

S2000.9.2: Bronze sculpture of female figure with long hair braid down back and ankle-length robe, leaning on proper left hip. Hands outstretched in front holding oil basin. On square base topped by round pedestal upon which figure stands.

Historical period(s)
Nayak dynasty, 17th century
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H x W x D (each): 86.4 x 27.9 x 27.9 cm (34 x 11 x 11 in)
Geography
India, Tamil Nadu
Credit Line
Purchase — Smithsonian Unrestricted Trust Funds
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2000.9.1-2
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Sculpture
Type

Figure

Keywords
casting, India, lamp, man, Nayak dynasty (1529-1736), woman, WWII-era provenance
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

S2000.9.1: Bronze sculpture of male figure, mustachioed, leaning on proper left hip, with protruding belly. Hands outstretched in front holding oil basin. On square base topped by round pedestal upon which figure stands.

S2000.9.2: Bronze sculpture of female figure with long hair braid down back and ankle-length robe, leaning on proper left hip. Hands outstretched in front holding oil basin. On square base topped by round pedestal upon which figure stands.

Published References
  • Vidya Dehejia. The Sensuous and The Sacred: Chola Bronzes from South India. Exh. cat. New York, Seattle and London, 2002. cat. 57, pp. 216-220.
Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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