Antique South Kanara Bronze Oil Lamp | Karnataka | Lost-Wax Cast

This antique bronze oil lamp from South Kanara, in the coastal region of Karnataka, is a substantial traditional Indian lamp made using the lost-wax casting technique. Its large scale and carefully considered form make it a distinctive example of South Indian ritual metalwork.

The oil well at the top is surrounded by five petal-like projections designed to accommodate wicks, creating the characteristic functional arrangement of a traditional oil lamp. Below, the tapering stem has a restrained yet elegant design, incorporating a kumbha-like cushion element followed by two sets of lappet-like details.

The lamp is anchored on a circular drip pan supported by a ring foot, providing both stability and a considered visual transition from the stem to the base. The combination of functional design and restrained ornamentation reflects the craftsmanship of traditional metal objects from the coastal Karnataka region.

With its South Kanara provenance, bronze construction and lost-wax casting, this lamp is an important example of traditional Indian oil-lamp design. It will appeal to collectors of antique Indian metalwork, South Indian ritual objects, traditional oil lamps and historic Karnataka craftsmanship.

Details

Object: Antique Bronze Oil Lamp
Origin: South Kanara, Karnataka, India
Region: Coastal Karnataka
Period: Late 18th-Early 19th century
Material: Bronze
Technique: Lost-wax casting
Oil Well: Five petal-like projections for wicks
Stem: Tapering stem with kumbha-like cushion and lappet-like details
Base: Circular drip pan with ring foot
Tradition: South Indian ritual and traditional metalwork
Dimensions: H25 × L5 × W5 in
Condition: Antique condition with natural age-related characteristics
Authenticity: Comes with an authenticity certificate from The Blue Trunk.