11-Inch Peacock Design Samai Oil Lamps (Pair)

Name: 11-Inch Peacock Design Samai Oil Lamps (Pair)
Rating: 5.00 (2 reviews)

11-Inch Peacock Design Samai Oil Lamps (Pair)

$149.00

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A samai is the standing oil lamp lit at the start of a puja — a cup for oil and a wick on a turned stem, so the flame sits above the altar rather than on it. This pair stands 11 inches tall, engraved with peacocks, and is the table-height option in our lamp range.

Product details

Sold as a pair
Height: 11 inches
Diya cup diameter: 5.5 inches
Weight: 844 g for the pair (approx. 1.9 lb)
Material: brass, nickel-plated and oxidised to an antique silver finish
Decoration: engraved peacock and floral work
Handmade in India
Not dishwasher safe

Why this one

Sold as a pair, which is how samai are traditionally used — one either side of the deity, not a single lamp off-centre.
11 inches, which is mandir-shelf height. Tall enough to lift the flame clear of the offerings, short enough to fit under a shelf above.
Peacock engraving worked around the stem and the cup rather than applied as a separate ornament.
844 g for the pair. Weighted at the foot so a lit lamp does not tip if the altar is knocked.

Which one do I need

Three heights of lamp, all sold in pairs:

16-inch elephant samai — a pair, elephant base, $249
28-inch nilavilakku — a pair, floor-standing, $525

Height is the whole decision. Table lamps sit on a mandir shelf or an altar; the 28-inch stands on the floor beside a doorway or a shrine.

Where it works

A home mandir, one either side of the deity
A dining table for Diwali
An entryway console, lit at dusk
Karthigai Deepam and Navratri
A wedding or griha pravesh ceremony

Gifting

A pair of samai is one of the most traditional gifts for a new home, because lighting the first lamp is part of moving in. It suits griha pravesh, a wedding, Diwali and Karthigai Deepam. Plain packaging with no price on it. If you need several pairs for a temple or a community event, get in touch before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Is this one lamp or two?

Two. The price is for the pair.

What oil and wick do I use?

Sesame oil or ghee with a cotton wick is traditional; any lamp oil works. Fill the cup no more than about two thirds so it does not spill when the wick is lit.

Can I use a tealight instead of oil?

Yes. The cup is 5.5 inches across, so a tealight sits in it easily, though an oil flame is what the shape is designed for.

How does it compare to your taller lamps?

This is the table one. The 16-inch elephant samai is a bigger version of the same idea, and the 28-inch nilavilakku stands on the floor.

Is this German silver?

Not literally, and we would rather say so plainly. German silver — also sold as nickel silver — is a copper, nickel and zinc alloy that contains no silver in it at all. This piece is brass, nickel-plated and then oxidised so the darkening settles into the recesses of the engraving. A lot of this category gets sold as German silver regardless of what is actually underneath, so it is worth knowing which you are buying.

Will the plating survive the heat?

Yes. The flame sits in the cup and the temperature stays well below anything that would harm the finish. Wipe out oil residue once it has cooled.

How do I clean it after use?

Let it cool, tip out any oil, and wipe with a soft dry cloth. Do not put it in the dishwasher and do not use abrasive scourers or acidic cleaners — they will cut through the plating. Store it in a sealed plastic bag between festivals; that slows tarnishing more than anything else you can do.

Will it tarnish?

Silver plating darkens over time, and the antique finish is designed to sit in the recesses and deepen the pattern as it does. That is the intended look. If you want it brighter, a light buff with a dry cloth on the raised areas will lift it.

Can I order several for an event?

Yes — get in touch before you order if you need more than a few. We can usually help on price for larger quantities and confirm stock before you commit to a date.

What if it arrives damaged?

Every order is insured. Photograph the box and the piece and contact us, and we will sort out a replacement or a refund.