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Java: Oil Lamp in the Shape of a Kinnari
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Java: Oil Lamp in the Shape of a Kinnari
INDONESIA, Central Java; Central Java period (circa 7th–13th century), late 9th–early 10th century; Bronze; L: 18.9 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
A kinnari is a female half-human, half-bird heavenly being in Buddhism, said to be skilled in singing and dancing. The kinnari originates from Indian mythology and was later introduced to Buddhism. This lamp features the heavenly being with the body of a bird and the head of a human, adorned with a crown and earrings. The wings, spread out in flight, are well-defined. The lamp is hung by a ring that sits on top of a lotus, and oil was held in a reservoir projecting from the kinnari's body; the wick was placed in the protruding spout. |
