Description:

              Here is a South Indian oil lamp called Kuthuvilakku with a peacock as its crown. This  Peacock Kuthuvilakku has beautiful ribbed design pattern on its pivotal pillar. It is about 80+ years old. This lamp could be dismantled in to 2 parts. The dark and sleek look of it makes it easy to be part of any contemporary setting as well.

The Name and History:

              Sengkuthu (செங்குத்து) in Tamil meaning anything standing straight vertical, so Kuthu (Tamil: குத்து) means standing erect and vilakku (விளக்கு) means lamp.  So that’s why this lamp is called a kuthuvilakku (Tamil: குத்து விளக்கு). Kuthu vilakku has been in use from the days of the Cholas which is 10th Century CE.

        Kuthuvilakku consists of four parts which are screwed together. The base plate is called "Keezhbagam" , the Pivotal pillar is called "kandam", the oil well with five or 7 wicks is called "Thanguli", and the crown is  called  "Prabhai". Each Kuthu vilakku has different crowns. Eg. Annapakshi (Swan),  Peacock etc, etc,.

        There are other alternative names for this lamp. They are called Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku, Annam kuthuvilakku, and also Kammalar kuthuvilakku. Vilakku here means a lamp. Basically these lamps  are produced by Pathers also known as  Kammalar (Tamil : கம்மாளர்). Kammalar are local artists who live in significant numbers in Natchiyarkovil's Kammalar street in Tamil Nadu who are involved in crafting.

           The word Kammalar is derived from the Tamil word Kam meaning "art" or "operation". The Kammalar is mentioned in ancient Sangam Literature, mentioning them by the name Kammiyar. Their name is said to be derived from the phrase "one who gives the eyes", referring to their providing the eyes for statues of deities.

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Product Details:

SKU ID: PVBL008

Product Name: Peacock Kuthuvilakku- Brass

Made of : Brass

Dimensions : 20” x 5.5” dia (Base)

Weight : 4 kgs.

Age : 80+ years

Provenance : Tamil Nadu

P. S. The products we sell are vintage and antiques and hence may have visible scratches and chip offs. We cherish them as they are reminders of the story they have been part of and hence we display them in the product pictures too.

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Shipping:

We ship all over India.

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Return Policy:

No returns or Exchanges
Please do check the dimensions before you buy.