Sri Lankan Bronze Oil Lamp with Makara Head Spout Dabadeni Pahana

Early to mid 18th Century, Sri Lanka, South Asia

Magnificent, aged and rare hanging oil lamp, dabadeni pahana, made of several elements of finely cast bronze, resting on an concave trumpet foot. The sizeable hollow container chamber is a baluster shaped, like a Buddhist commemorative monument (stupa), with several bulging rings that taper upward to a ring finial to suspend from a chain. The baluster container has a intertwined base that twists into the lower foot, connecting and feeding oil into the spout that would have contained the wick. The curved cylindrical spout featuring a mythical Makara, a legendary sea-creature in Hindu mythology. The fierce, horned head has an open mouth from which the opening for the wick spout protrudes. The makara is the most commonly recurring creature in Hindu and Buddhist temple iconography and appears as the vehicle (vahana) of the river goddess Ganga,  Narmada, and of the god of the ocean, Varuna. Makara are considered guardians of gateways and thresholds, protecting throne rooms as well as entryways to temples. Elegant and finely built oil lamp are complete with long suspension chain adorned in the middle with an elaborate circular plate and solid hook on the end.

Excellent condition. Age-related wear and light abrasion. Superb dark brown, almost black patina. Interior with encrusted, build-up residue, consistent with age and sustained usage. Size approx. 19,5cm x 11,5cm x 7,5cm and chain 25,0cm x 1,5cm.

Provenance: Finnish private collection