Brass
India, Orissa, 18th/19th century
Oil lamp, partly decorated with laid threads
Spirally twisted shank in the form of the ‘holy duck’ Hintha (Hamsa)
On a bell-shaped foot
Thereupon a bowl with an ornamental cut-out edge
Sweeping spout
The edge with three further ducks figures
Height: 16 cm
Good condition
Provenance: Private collection, Great Britain

Hintha (Hamsa)

The Hintha, as it is called in Burmese, or Hama is a decorative element that is in use since the 16th century. In Hinduism the duck is the riding animal of Brahma and other deities and decorates the coins of the ancient kingdom of Pegu, known today as Bago in Burma. The 18th and the early 19th century show the bird as a sleeping duck in a squat form, which is often interpreted as a swan. In the 19th century the animal is depicted in an ostentatious shape. The Hintha is often shown with an insect, a pearl or a branch in its beak and is a symbol of unity, balance and life.

Condition: The oil lamp is in good condition with light signs of age. The height measures 16 cm.

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