Dhokra Oil Lamp From Chhattisgargh - 1920

A beautifully cast Dhokra brass oil lamp from Chhattisgarh, dating to circa 1910 - 1920 century and created using the ancient lost-wax casting tradition that has been practised by tribal metalworking communities of central and eastern India for centuries. Combining ritual function with sculptural elegance, this lamp exemplifies the distinctive aesthetic of Dhokra craftsmanship, where simple forms are enriched with symbolic motifs and finely textured surfaces.

The lamp is raised on a finely cast stambha pedestal hand carved with geometric concentric bands. The stambha supports a traditional yoni-shaped oil reservoir (a symbol of feminine creative energy and fertility) with a stylised peacock sitting at the rear, a motif frequently associated with beauty, renewal and divine protection within Indian artistic traditions. Either side of the yoni entrance are two Shiva lingams (phallic representations of Lord Shiva). Suspended brass bells hang from the scalloped rim, adding movement and a ceremonial quality to the piece, while the elongated spout would originally have supported a cotton wick fuelled by ghee or oil.

Produced using the traditional cire perdue (lost-wax) process, each Dhokra casting is unique. The intricate wax model is encased in clay before casting, with the mould destroyed after use, ensuring that no two examples are identical. The lamp retains a rich aged patina that highlights the character and authenticity of this enduring tribal craft tradition.