Lamps of India (Revised Edition, 2012) | Illustrated Reference on Traditional Indian Lamps

Lamps of India, in its 2012 Revised Edition, is an illustrated reference work documenting the rich variety of traditional lamps found across India. The book examines lamps as objects of everyday use, ritual, religious practice, and craftsmanship, offering an insight into an important aspect of India's material and cultural heritage.

The volume brings together examples of traditional Indian lamps in a range of forms and styles, including ritual lamps, temple lamps, hanging lamps, oil lamps, votive lamps, and lamps featuring human, animal, and vegetal motifs. Through photographs and accompanying text, it records the diversity of forms developed by regional metalworking and craft traditions.

Indian lamps have traditionally occupied an important place in both domestic and religious life. Beyond their practical function as sources of light, they are associated with auspiciousness, worship, knowledge, prosperity, and the dispelling of darkness. Their forms often incorporate deities, birds, animals, flowers, and other symbolic elements, making them important objects for the study of Indian decorative and ritual arts.

The book is particularly relevant to collectors and researchers interested in Indian brass and bronze lamps, temple objects, traditional metalware, Indian decorative arts, ritual objects, and the history of Indian craftsmanship. It also serves as a useful visual reference for understanding the forms and iconography of traditional Indian lamps.

About This Edition

This is the Revised Edition published in 2012, in softcover format. The illustrated format makes it a useful reference for collectors of Indian antiques and traditional objects, as well as for those interested in Indian architectural and ritual arts.

Condition

The book is in excellent overall condition. There are some small marks along the right edge of the pages, while the remainder of the book is exceptionally well preserved. The contents are clean and intact. Please refer to the photographs, which form an integral part of the description.

Title: Lamps of India
Edition: Revised Edition, 2012
Format: Softcover
Language: English
Subject: Indian Lamps, Indian Metalware, Ritual Objects, Decorative Arts
Condition: Excellent overall; some marks along the right page edge.