Author:
Gangoly, O. C. (Gangoly, O. C.; Gangoly, Ordhendra Coomar; Gangoli, O. C.)
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate I. A. This is the most ornate and elaborately designed example of this type of lamp. Three birds furnish the legs for the base pan, from which spring two branches, on each of which stands a female figure holding a pan for lights; at the centre is placed a winged lion which carries the shaft, on which is a bracket composed of four lions supporting the principal lamp-pans. These serve as usual for five wicks (pancha pradīpa), the number five having a mystic symbolism perhaps connected with the five senses. The swan as usual forms the finial, which is here surmounted by a figure of Lakshmī. Height 16 in. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate I. B. Very typical of this class. The small figure on the back of the swan-finial is Saraswatī, the goddess of learning. The two bulbs of the shaft are covered with ornamentations representing lotus leaves. The oil pan below the swan is quinquepartite. Not measured. (Mr. W. A. Beardsell, Madras.). Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate I. C. Hanging lamp.-More commonly met with in Ceylon. The swan at the top is, however, characteristically Southern Indian. The large bulb here forms the receptacle for oil for the wick. The pan is partly covered with a movable lid. Height c. 15 in. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate I. D. An excellent example of this type. In the small waist, accentuated breasts, and the almost uncouth face there is a conventional treatment which lends to the figure a peculiar quaintness and charm. Bronze. Height 12½ in. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate I. E. The tiny cups for each lamp are arranged in circles on each tier of the branches and supply wicks for 108 lamps. Height 4½ ft. (Temple of Siva, Vālȧippalli, Travancore.). Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate I. F. Similar in type to [D], but less conventional in treatment. The dress, the bodice, and the accessories are elaborately designed. The bird on the right arm is a feature often repeated in other examples. Bronze. Not measured. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate II. G. Lakshmī type.-The cobra near the top indicates that the lamp belongs to a Siva temple. The two crude female figures on the rim, on either side of back, holding tiny lamp-pans, symbolize the donors. The ornamentation is typical of the common forms profusely met with. They are used for niches in temples. Not measured. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate II. H. The discus (chakra) is the weapon of Vishnu, and is said to be of great destructive power. The four knobs on the wheel are conventional representation of fire which the chakra is reputed to emit. Height 5 in. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate II. J. The central pan at the top of the shaft is surrounded by eight similar pans carried by eight yālis (lions with gryphons' heads and elephants' trunks). The eight small bells attached to these figures seem to indicate that the burner is meant for carrying about from place to place. Not measured. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate II. K. Haṃsa-lamp. Rather elaborately designed. The shaft is finely modelled, and terminates with an ornamentation with bird motifs. The base which usually rests on the floor is in this case supported by three legs in the shape of three birds. Height about 8 in. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate II. L. Siva type.-The seven-headed cobra in the centre of the back, and the demon face of Kīrtimukha ("glory-face") at the top are both emblematic of Siva. Height 8 in. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate II. M. The chakra and sankha (conch) and the caste-mark at the centre are symbols of Vishnu. The crude female figures occur, as in [G], at the usual place. Height 4½ in. Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate II. N. A characteristically fine example of the type chiefly used in the ārati ceremony ("waving of the lamp"). The animal with a human face represents Nandi, the sacred bull of Siva. Nandi is the favourite retainer of Sive, and typifies the faithful devotee. Nandi is here represented performing the ārati, with the lamp in one hand and a bell in the other. 8¼×7$frac{7}{8}$ in. (Victoria and Albert Museum, gift of Mrs. A. M. Crawley-Bovey.). Southern Indian Lamps
Non-western art unattributed:
Plate II. O. Peacock-lamp. This seems to be a variation of the swan-lamps. In many of the Sinhalese lamps various birds are introduced in place of the swan. The pan here is septipartite, and is covered by a lid which opens on a hinge and is surmounted by the peacock. Height 24 in. Southern Indian Lamps
