Oil lamp - Bronze - Sukunda
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Description from the seller
Sukunda – Ritual oil lamp to Ganesh
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, 19th century
Bronze
Dimensions: 17 × 17 × 7 cm
This ritual lamp, called a Sukunda, is an emblematic object of Newar devotional practices in the Kathmandu Valley. Designed to hold oil and accommodate a wick during light offerings, it plays an essential role in domestic rituals and Buddhist and Hindu religious ceremonies in Nepal.
At the front, a relief of Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, presides over the flame. A symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and good omen, Ganesh is invoked at the beginning of every ritual action. His presence protects and purifies the light, a messenger between the human world and the divine.
The curved base, the leaf-shaped spout, and the handle decorated with stylized plant scrolls reflect the technical mastery and ornamental sensitivity of the Newar bronze makers. The deep patina, marked by oil residue and ancient oxidation, testifies to a long religious use.
The Sukunda, in its traditional form, remains a symbol of spiritual continuity and cultural identity within Nepalese society, where it still accompanies domestic ceremonies, processions and community festivals.
Condition: Good overall condition. Patinated.
Authentic object that was used for rituals for probably 2 centuries.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection
Sent via UPS Express and insured.
Sent with UPS Belgium
Sukunda – Ritual oil lamp to Ganesh
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, 19th century
Bronze
Dimensions: 17 × 17 × 7 cm
This ritual lamp, called a Sukunda, is an emblematic object of Newar devotional practices in the Kathmandu Valley. Designed to hold oil and accommodate a wick during light offerings, it plays an essential role in domestic rituals and Buddhist and Hindu religious ceremonies in Nepal.
At the front, a relief of Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, presides over the flame. A symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and good omen, Ganesh is invoked at the beginning of every ritual action. His presence protects and purifies the light, a messenger between the human world and the divine.
The curved base, the leaf-shaped spout, and the handle decorated with stylized plant scrolls reflect the technical mastery and ornamental sensitivity of the Newar bronze makers. The deep patina, marked by oil residue and ancient oxidation, testifies to a long religious use.
The Sukunda, in its traditional form, remains a symbol of spiritual continuity and cultural identity within Nepalese society, where it still accompanies domestic ceremonies, processions and community festivals.
Condition: Good overall condition. Patinated.
Authentic object that was used for rituals for probably 2 centuries.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection
Sent via UPS Express and insured.
Sent with UPS Belgium
Details
Era
1400-1900
Title additional information
Sukunda
No. of items
1
Material
Bronze
Country of Origin
Nepal
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In Working Order
Yes
Height
16 cm
Width
19 cm
Depth
7 cm
Estimated period
1800-1850
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