Pair of Butter Lamps

Central Tibet

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 253

These lamps were placed before images of deities, ready to receive offerings of ghee (clarified butter) that were used as fuel instead of oil. The pair evokes abundance and prosperity through their lotus-like form and finely engraved floral patterns. Auspicious Buddhist symbols (mangala) appear at the neck and foot of each lamp, while ornamental frames on the body display dancing celestial musicians.

Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet

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Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet

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