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Pair of Butter Lamps

19th century
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pair of Butter Lamps
  • Date: 19th century
  • Culture: Central Tibet
  • Medium: Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving
  • Dimensions: H. each: 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Funds from various donors, by exchange and Bequest of Mary Strong Shattuck, by exchange, 2019
  • Object Number: 2019.303.1a–c, .2a–c
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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