Sukunda Ritual Lamp
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.Buddhist and Hindu Newars in the Kathmandu Valley inaugurate life events with the Sagan ritual, in which a household’s female elder lights the Sukunda lamp and makes food offerings. In this example, the dish-shaped lamp is presided over by Ganesha and his consort flanked by rearing lions. Amid this auspicious imagery, skulls ringing the vessel waist speak to Ganesha’s fearsome protective powers.
Artwork Details
- Title: Sukunda Ritual Lamp
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: Nepal, Newar
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm); W. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm); Diam. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Lent by Steven Kossak, The Kronos Collections
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art