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Bronze/Brass Oil Lamp Asia

By joezachderek, 2 February, 2013
Description

This four-spouted oil lamp (suspected bronze) was obtained in 2012 in Southeast Asia. When purchased the metal was very dark and appeared white with tarnish, which I cleaned with a metal cleaning oil. There are no recognizable manufacturing markings. Feels heavy for its size, about 5 pounds. Appears to be a cat-like head where the oil is poured. Bird appears to be purched on the handle. Appears very old due to some pitting in the metal. Though the handle appears to have been cast in a mold, the slight irregularities in the spouts may suggest  hand-tempering. Despite my efforts I have been unable to get the metal to shine.

Category
Lamps and Chandeliers
Medium
Suspected Bronze.
Distinguishing marks
The engraved writing at the top looks Arabic, but may be Hindi and very blocky.
Size and dimensions of this item
Approximately 7 inches high, 7 inches long, 7 inches wide.
Date Period
Unknown. Online searches suggest 11th to 13th century or older.
Weight
About 5-6 pounds.
History
Unknown
eBay Auction Link
For Sale?
No
Photos

ludford

12 years ago

Re: Bronze/Brass Oil Lamp Asia

There are a lot of modern copies of these lamps- especially ones with feline headed lids. I don't entirely like the lettering which as you say is blocky. I would normally expect an early example to have more fluid calligraphy. I don't really feel confident about the decorative band at the base either. But, overall, I think it stands a reasonable chance of being 12th-13th century. Its good news that you can't remove the patination. It suggests that it has been there for a long time. Now stop polishing it!! Or if it is an original you will SERIOUSLY depreciate its value by taking away the genuine age and colour. Even if it isn't a fake, it wil end up looking like one!

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