PL-000482
Miniature Engraved Brass Oil Lamp
Miniature engraved brass oil lamp
$48
PL-000482 · Mid-20th century, likely c. 1940s–1970sA wonderfully small brass oil lamp in a traditional elongated form, set on a low flared pedestal foot. The rounded reservoir transitions into a long tapered spout, while a circular loop handle rises from the opposite end.The upper surface is particularly charming: hand-incised floral and foliate ornament radiates along the tapered body, with a dotted or punched border surrounding the circular oil well. The combination of engraved decoration, tiny scale and unmistakably functional form gives the piece much more presence than its dimensions suggest.The underside of the spout and the interior reservoir retain darker oxidation and residue consistent with age and possible use.Materials: Cast and worked brass.Origin: Likely South Asian / Indian; unmarked, so attribution remains tentative.Maker / marks: No conventional maker’s mark visible. Several small punched dot marks underneath do not resolve into a maker or assay mark and should not be interpreted as one without further evidence.Dimensions: Approximately 5¼ inches long overall; 2¼ inches high including loop handle; reservoir approximately 1½ inches in diameter.
Condition
Very good vintage condition with substantial age-related patina, darkening, oxidation and surface wear throughout.
A note about vintage
Patina & Light objects have lived before. Small marks, softened edges, surface variation, patina and signs of handling are part of that history. We photograph and describe condition carefully, but we do not expect an old object to look new — nor would we want it to.
Please review all photographs and condition notes before purchasing. Questions, additional photographs and measurements are always welcome.
We believe age should be understood, not erased.
About the piece
- Maker / Artist
- Unidentified
- Attribution
- Likely South Asian / Indian; unmarked, attribution tentative
- Period
- Mid-20th century, likely c. 1940s–1970s
- Origin
- Likely South Asian / Indian
- Style
- Mid-Century
- Materials
- Brass
- Finish
- Natural patina
- Dimensions
- H 2.25″ × Dia. 1.5″ × L 5.25″
- Condition
- Very good vintage condition with substantial age-related patina, darkening, oxidation and surface wear throughout.
Condition, in full
Interior reservoir shows darker residue and verdigris-like oxidation. No obvious cracks or structural breaks visible in the reference photographs. Several small punched dot marks underneath are not established maker or assay marks.
Leave the finish exactly as found. The patina gives definition to the engraving and makes the tiny form feel considerably older and more interesting.