Bronze Krishna Mandir Oil Lamp, 1800s

This hanging oil lamp was designed for use in a Hindu temple. Its shape closely follows that of the Krishna temple built in 1637 in Patan, Nepal. The corners are adorned with figures of crouching monkeys, while four leaf-shaped trays house wicks with relief representations of the god Ganesha, accompanied by two guardian lions. Suspended from the base of the temple are nine leaf-shaped lappet pendants, the temple suspended by a chain with hollow links, also highly decorative. Dated from the early 20th century. These lamps came from the estate of art dealer Claude de Marteau, and were probably part of the stock in his store on rue de la Régence in Brussels, which he ran until the early 1970s. A very limited number are available. Temple overall H 45 cm x 30 x 30 cm Chain length: approx. 160 cm Total weight: approx. 4.4 kg