Brass Dhokra Tree Of Life Oil Lamp From Chhattisgarh - Ca 1900

This stunning Indian oil lamp would make a truly unique ornament or table centerpiece. The central stem is called a stambha and is decorated with multiple peacocks, branches and smaller lamps and constructed in the 'tree of life' form (a common motif in Indian design and folklore) atop an elephant.

Two peacocks perch at the rim of the oil reservoir ready to drink and face two lingams, phallic symbols of Lord Shiva. The rim is formed in the shape of a yoni, a stylized representation of female genitalia. 

These oil lamps are found almost exclusively in Chhattisgarh and are made by Dokra Damar tribes, the traditional metalsmiths of West Bengal. The dhokra technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe. They would have traditionally been used with a wick and ghee oil. 

Dokra also spelled Dhokra- is a brass or bronze casting made using the lost wax technique. The process is commonly known as 'Cire Perdue.' The object to be cast is sculpted from beeswax mixed with a little oil. Once finished the entire figure is coated with clay made from termite hills to create the mould. The mould is dried and fired in an oven with cow-dung cakes. The wax melts leaving an empty clay mould in the shape to be cast. The mould is then heated and molten brass or bronze is poured into the empty clay-mould. Once cool, the clay mould is broken exposing the cast bronze figure. The casting is then cleaned and finer details are carved to finish the piece.

Dimensions:

42 x 32 x 119 (wxdxh cms)

Separates into 3 pieces for easy transportation.

From India

UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £15
More delivery options available at checkout