A BRONZE DIPA LAKSHMI OIL LAMP
India, 17th - 18th century

Resting on a flared rectangular stepped pedestal, a female figure, possibly the Hindu goddess of Wealth Lakshmi, holding an oval offering bowl with a lip, wearing a bold necklace and large earrings, her long hair tied behind her back and reaching her waist, 31.5cm high.

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, is often worshipped during Diwali, the Festival of Light; candles are lit on the second day of the festival, to guide Lakshmi into the home. To be used as an oil lamp, gee is placed in the offering bowl around a cotton wick, which can then be lit.