Butter Lamp
19th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Butter lamps are used to illuminate Tibetan altars being one of the essential offerings made to deities in Tibetan Buddhism. A wickplaced at the centre of the yak-butter contents feeds from the surrrounding buttter as it melts.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Copper with silver bands; tinned inside. Copper lid with repoussé and openwork decoration |
Brief description | Butter lamp; copper with silver bands, repoussé and openwork detail, Tibet, 19th century. |
Physical description | Butter-lamp made of plain copper decorated with narrow bands of silver; tinned inside. The detachable cover is decorated with repoussé and openwork 'ch'ien' emblem (Chinese cash emblem). |
Credit line | Purchased from the Baillie Gallery |
Summary | Butter lamps are used to illuminate Tibetan altars being one of the essential offerings made to deities in Tibetan Buddhism. A wickplaced at the centre of the yak-butter contents feeds from the surrrounding buttter as it melts. |
Collection | |
Accession number | IM.94-1910 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | January 27, 2006 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest