A RITUAL BRASS CANDLE HOLDER WITH NANDI THE BULL
Possibly Southern India, late 18th - 19th century

Made of three parts, the octagonal stepped pedestal resting on eight short splayed feet, with an openwork diamond-shaped fretwork band between the steps, the icon of Nandi the Bull, Shiva's mount, sliding into the base created at the top of the pedestal to keep it in place, residues of red paint around the bull's cheeks and mouth, resting on its back the candle holder designed in the shape of a lotus flower which opens and closes according to which way it is turned, approximately 23.8cm high.