Vintage Indian Bronze Pooja Votive Hindu Oil Lamp Elephants Gaja Lakshmi

Vintage Indian bronze pooja oil lamp with central figure of Gaja Lakshmi flanked by elephants.

This bronze oil lamp is cast with Gaja Lakshmi and elephants such that the light from the lamp is thrown off the backplate thereby illuminates the goddess, a meritorious act as it honours the goddess. The trio are surrounded by a finely cast plaited border and sit above an open-work panel of geometric designs. The lip at the front holds the wick, This form, typical of Tamil Nadu.
The rear is cast with a further Lakshmi and elephants. The arched, serrated frame terminates with a lotus.
Approximate dimensions; H 5.5" x W 2.75"

Date – Late eighteenth century