Statue, Deepalakshmi - Orissa - 18th century - 19 cm - Bronze

Statuette of Devotee Lamp Holder (Oil Lamp) (Deepalakshmi)
Odisha (Orissa), Eastern India
18th century
Bronze / Copper alloy cast in the lost-wax process
Height: 19 cm

This bronze statuette depicts an anthropomorphic female figure identified as a Deepalakshmi (or Dipa Lakshmi), a ritual personification of devotion and propitious light.

The figure stands in samabhanga (upright and balanced posture) on a small circular pedestal atop a truncated pyramidal base. Her two arms are extended forward, the hands clasped around cylindrical sockets originally intended to hold two removable oil bowls (now missing).

At the back of the statuette, an arched handle connects the lower back to the base. This sturdy construction, characteristic of processional lamps or domestic altars from Odisha, enabled safe handling during devotion rituals (arati).

The devotee is clad in a finely tailored dhoti, structured by incised geometric folds between the legs. She wears characteristic ornaments of the region’s tribal and folk art: arm bracelets (bajuband), geometrically engraved necklaces on the chest, and prominent stylized earrings that elongate her lobes. Her hair is gathered at the back of the head into a low circular bun (juda).

The face reveals a provincial expressive and vigorous aesthetic typical of Odisha bronzes. It is characterized by almond-shaped eyes wide open outlined with strongly incised eyebrows, a pointed nose, and a mouth with a broad, serene, and stylized smile.

Condition: Main structure intact and complete. Missing the two removable oil bowls that would fit into the hand receptacles. Brown and deep patina of use, indicating prolonged ritual handling. Presence of green oxidation residues (verdigris) and traces of sediment or wax in the hollow areas, notably on the chest, base, and beneath the structure.
Good overall condition.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal

Shipped with UPS and insured