Pair of vintage Deepalakshmi Lamps

This is a pair of 18th-century Deepalakshmi lamps from Kerala, depicting two young female figures standing on circular bases and holding oil wells in their outstretched hands. Such lamps, commonly used in ritual and domestic settings, are named after Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The figures wear traditional attire and jewelry typical of the region and period, including long plaits and detailed ornaments on the neck, ears, wrists, and head.

Deepalakshmi lamps were not just utilitarian objects but also carried symbolic meaning—invoking auspiciousness and light during daily worship and festivals. The age of these particular pieces is evident in the worn surfaces and softened features, along with the natural patina that has developed over time. They reflect the skilled craftsmanship of Kerala’s metalworkers and the continued ritual use of such forms in South Indian households and temples.