Naga oil lamp

The bronze lamp hangs from a linked chain and bent hook, the main component in the shape of a serpent with an upraised head and tail. The head supports a flat dish that held the oil, where a small wick would have provided the flame. The serpent has an open mouth with pronounced teeth and extended tongue, the upper half of the body is incised with circles representing scales, and the belly side is ribbed with projecting bands.

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Historical period(s)
14th century
Medium
Copper alloy
Dimensions
H x W x D (without chain): 33 Ɨ 17.2 Ɨ 6.5 cm (13 Ɨ 6 3/4 Ɨ 2 9/16 in)
Geography
Indonesia, Java
Credit Line
Promised gift of Ann and Gilbert Kinney to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Collection
Long-term loan
Accession Number
LTS2015.3.2
On View Location
Sackler Gallery 22a: The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Sculpture
Type

Lamp

Keywords
dragon, Indonesia, Java, lamp
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

The bronze lamp hangs from a linked chain and bent hook, the main component in the shape of a serpent with an upraised head and tail. The head supports a flat dish that held the oil, where a small wick would have provided the flame. The serpent has an open mouth with pronounced teeth and extended tongue, the upper half of the body is incised with circles representing scales, and the belly side is ribbed with projecting bands.

Label

Known as nagas, serpents are powerful symbols in South and Southeast Asia. They guard the watery underworld, where they are believed to reside in jeweled palaces and protect corals and pearls. In Southeast Asia, nagas also represent the bridge that connects the human and divine worlds.

This bronze oil lamp takes the shape of a naga with an upraised head and tail, which hangs from a linked chain and bent hook. The head supports a flat, petal-shaped dish that held the oil, where a small wick would have provided the flame. The serpent has an open mouth with pronounced teeth and extended tongue, the upper half of the body is incised with circles representing scales, and the belly side is ribbed with projecting bands.

Relief carvings on Indonesian temples show lamps like this one illuminating sacred and palatial interiors.

Published References
  • Nandana Chutiwongs. Bronze Ritual Implements in the Majapahit Period: Meaning and Function. No. 6, vol. 30, no. 6 Hong Kong. pp. 69-84, p. 51, 76, fig. 15.
Collection Area(s)
Southeast Asian Art
Web Resources
F|S Southeast Asia
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