A World of Lamps

Lamps are a significant part of Indian culture and tradition, valued at homes and temples as part of ritualistic worship. Diwali, a prominent festival in India commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya is also known as the festival of lights.

Every household is decorated with an array of lamps which are a symbol of victory of light over darkness. 

This lamp was manufactures at Jonas Defries & Sons Ltd.,  one of the largest but least known 19th century English glass firms located in the Houndsditch section of London. It was function from 1856 - until early 20th century. 

This lamp was manufactured at R. Ditmar's, Vienna largest and most highly regarded Austrian lamp producer. This company designed Viennese flat burners early on which were later copied in Europe and other parts of the world. Their lamps were high quality and highly priced. 

This vase shaped oil lamp belongs to Istanbul, Turkey, dated 19^th century. It is decorated with semi-stylized floral motifs, popular design aesthetics from Turkey. This lamp has a unique single wick metal burner. 

This lamp base is based on 15^th century Kashmiri craft of Papier Mache from Northern India. It’s an electric table lamp with authentic lacquer finish. 

Electric lamps are the most common and easy source of artificial light. They gained popularity in early 20th century and replaced all other lamps such as oil lamps, candles, etc. This electric lamp is shaped as a donkey with two bags of load on its either side and a man seated. 

This kerosene oil hanging lamp is suspended by chains from ceiling. The glass lamp is fixed on a brass base. It belongs to England, 19^th century. Hanging lamps were majorly used in churches. 

This sconce or popularly known as wall light is an oil lamp from Bohemia, dated 20^th century. It is attached to a mirror by a bracket. Its glass shades and containers are pink in color. Using brackets, the candle or gas flame would be kept at safe distance from the mirror.

Ivory carving is an ancient art of India dating back several thousand years. This ivory lamp is shaped like a table lantern with an elaborate floral jail or lattice design to enable light to glow from within. 

Chinese Lanterns are a symbol of reconciliation, peace and forgiveness. During the Qing dynasty, these lanterns became a reward from the emperor to his dukes and ministers. This 17th century, Chinese lantern from Qing dynasty is made of painted red cloth. 

Bohemian overlay and cut glass lamp dated 20^th century. White cut to pink base with floral and leafy designs. It rests on a square glass base. Originally an oil lamp, now converted to electricity. 

A large sized Temple Lamp of 81cms height with a decorative stand and an image of four handed Ganesha as the crowning feature, vanquishing Vighnantaka. It is made of bronze and dates back to mid-14^th century. 

Deepalakshmi is representation of Goddess Lakshmi holding a lamp or ‘diya’ in her hands. She is a symbol of good luck and prosperity.  This bronze figure of Deepalakshmi dates back to the 18th century. A parrot is seated on her right shoulder as she holds the oil container.