Pair of Butter Lamps

Central Tibet

Not on view

This pair of votive lamps would have stood before a sculpture or painting to receive offerings of butter from the devout. The dancing goddesses shown in lobed frames, some of whom play instruments, reference the heavenly realm of the gods. Additional auspicious Buddhist symbols (mangalas) are set into frames at the neck and around the foot of each lamp. The exuberant engraved floral pattering that fills the background of these lamps speaks to ideas of abundance and prosperity. The style of the repoussé and engraving is typical of central Tibetan metalwork.

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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