A BASTAR BRONZE OIL LAMP WITH NAGAA BASTAR BRONZE OIL LAMP WITH NAGABronzeInda, Bastar, 19th centuryA Bastar bronze of a bowl-shaped vessel standing on a fine, horizontally ribbed, conical base, producing a chalice-form. It bears five lotus leaf shaped, spoon-like extensions, which were used for the wicks and are applied almost directly to the lip. The lamp has traces of usage, patina and rust. Bronzes from indigenous Bastar tribes were always cult-related, and crafted by specialized bronze-founders who travelled the land. The Bastar region lies in the southernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, in central India. Old genuine bronze items from this region are becoming increasingly rare and hard to find in India, as it was customary for tribes to melt old bronzes together in order to craft new ones. The quite juvenile and childish appearance of this tribal authenticity offers a special appeal to the viewer. Dimensions: LENGTH 24 CM, HEIGHT 13 CMCondition: Good condition, fine patinaProvenance: Collection of an Austrian diplomat