A BRONZE GAJA LAKSHMI CANDLE HOLDER (DEEPAK DIYA)
India, 17th - 18th century

With a typical rounded, drop-shaped light holder in the centre, raised on a stepped pedestal with overlapping beaded bands and stylised petals, with an openwork, flaming stele at the back with a central Gaja Lakshmi (the Goddess Lakshmi bathed by two elephants), a monstruous kirtimukha face at the top of the stele breathing down fire, the pedestal enhanced with two further panels with elephants on each side and a fierce deity, possibly Durga, at the back.

10cm diameter and 16.5cm high