Oil lamp - Bronze - Dhokra Lamp
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Description from the seller
Authentic and monumental tribal oil lamp, better known as a Dhokra Diya, dating from the mid-twentieth century. The unique object originates from the famed Bastar region in Central India, and due to the traditional folk art it is a highly sought-after provenance among collectors of Asian art. The piece is handcrafted from a solid bronze- and brass-alloy using the ancient cire perdue or lost-wax method. Because the clay mold must be irreparably broken open to free the metal after the casting, this specimen is an absolute one-off with no second design.
The artistic composition is extraordinarily layered and rich in symbolism. The base is formed by a richly detailed elephant, the Indian symbol of royal dignity, wisdom, and luck. On the elephant’s back sits a central human figure or ceremonial rider, who carries the construction upward. Here lies the oil reservoir, an elegantly worked bowl with a pronounced spout into which the burning wick was once placed. The top is beautifully crowned by a stylized peacock or mythological bird, which in local culture stands for the heralding of prosperity and the dispelling of darkness. At the rear near the tail, there is also a characteristic metal label hanging as a playful tribal detail.
The object is in a beautiful, well-traveled condition with a time-hardened, aged appearance. The surface shows a deep, dark oxidized patina with subtle traces of natural verdigris in the deeper grooves, underscoring the authentic age of the piece in a characteristic manner. At the lower edge of the bell-shaped foot there is an old notch or casting flaw, an imperfection inherent to this type of primitive, artisanal metal casting and precisely testifying to its handmade character. With a height of 21.8 centimeters, a width of 12.3 centimeters, a depth of 11.9 centimeters and a substantial weight of 700 grams, this is a large and high-quality heavy collector’s item that makes a striking addition to any tribal art collection.
Dimensions: 21.8x12.3x11.9 cm
Weight: 700 g
Authentic and monumental tribal oil lamp, better known as a Dhokra Diya, dating from the mid-twentieth century. The unique object originates from the famed Bastar region in Central India, and due to the traditional folk art it is a highly sought-after provenance among collectors of Asian art. The piece is handcrafted from a solid bronze- and brass-alloy using the ancient cire perdue or lost-wax method. Because the clay mold must be irreparably broken open to free the metal after the casting, this specimen is an absolute one-off with no second design.
The artistic composition is extraordinarily layered and rich in symbolism. The base is formed by a richly detailed elephant, the Indian symbol of royal dignity, wisdom, and luck. On the elephant’s back sits a central human figure or ceremonial rider, who carries the construction upward. Here lies the oil reservoir, an elegantly worked bowl with a pronounced spout into which the burning wick was once placed. The top is beautifully crowned by a stylized peacock or mythological bird, which in local culture stands for the heralding of prosperity and the dispelling of darkness. At the rear near the tail, there is also a characteristic metal label hanging as a playful tribal detail.
The object is in a beautiful, well-traveled condition with a time-hardened, aged appearance. The surface shows a deep, dark oxidized patina with subtle traces of natural verdigris in the deeper grooves, underscoring the authentic age of the piece in a characteristic manner. At the lower edge of the bell-shaped foot there is an old notch or casting flaw, an imperfection inherent to this type of primitive, artisanal metal casting and precisely testifying to its handmade character. With a height of 21.8 centimeters, a width of 12.3 centimeters, a depth of 11.9 centimeters and a substantial weight of 700 grams, this is a large and high-quality heavy collector’s item that makes a striking addition to any tribal art collection.
Dimensions: 21.8x12.3x11.9 cm
Weight: 700 g
Details
Era
1900-2000
Specific region of origin
Bastar-regio
Title additional information
Dhokra Lamp
Material
Bronze
Country of origin
India
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In working order
Yes
Height
21.8 cm
Width
12.3 cm
Depth
11.9 cm
Weight
700 g
Estimated period
1950-1960
