Pair of Butter Lamps

Central Tibet

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 253

These votive lamps stood before sculpted or painted deities, ready to receive devotees’ offerings of butter. Dancing and music-making goddesses set within lobed frames celebrate these deities and directly reference the celestial realms they inhabit. Additional auspicious Buddhist symbols (mangala) appear in frames at the neck and foot of each lamp; the engraved floral pattern of the background elicits abundance and prosperity. The style of the repoussé (hammered metalwork) and engraving is typical of central Tibet.

Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet

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Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet
Pair of Butter Lamps, Gilt silver with repoussé and engraving, Central Tibet

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