"My" Lady with the Lamp

I hope you guys had a wonderful weekend. It was a busy, fun filled weekend for my family. We had friends from India visiting us. There was a whole load of catching up to do as we were meeting after 5 long years. My 6 year old was super excited to have company.

Now coming to “Lady with the Lamp”. I’m NOT talking about the famous Indian painting by S.L.Haldankar. Unfortunately for S.L.Haldankar, this oil painting is sadly mistaken to be that of the renowned painter Raja Ravi Verma. What I love about this painting is the realistic style and the intricate details (the luminescent glow).Take one look at the painting below and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Lady with the Lamp by S.L. Haldankar

I was referring to the brass Paavai Vilakku( as referred to in Tamil). It’s an oil lamp in the form of a lady holding a vessel with her palms. The Paavai Vilakku (the taller lady in the picture) is an heirloom piece that belonged to my great grandmother. The lamp is more than a hundred years old. It’s one of my prized possessions. On my vacation to India last summer, my mom was very generous and I soon had her lady with the lamp accompany me back to Virginia.

"MY " Lady with the Lamp

This form of lamp is said to be initiated by Roman settlers in south India. As time went by the artisans adapted them to suit the Indian needs and creative desires.

Don't be afraid to mix the old with the new

In the picture above the lady looks comfortable in her new setting for the evening paired with a carved wooden candle stand (from India) and a ceramic red jug (from Home Goods) holding Black-eyed Susan (best known wild flower). The name Black-eyed Susan comes from an Old English poem of the post-Elizabethan era entitled simply, “Black-Eyed Susan,” written by John Gay, 1685-1732.

Here is a close up of my collection of these charming ladies as they adorn my coffee table every single day.

Isn't this a wonderful way to enjoy a few minutes of "me time” on a summer evening on the deck ? 

Image 2,3,4 are clicked by Sruthi Singh.

(These images are the property of Sruthi Singh and are subject to copyright. Please do not use without prior written permission.)

Image 1 via blog.orangecarton.com