Gold Jali T-Light Lanterns - Set of 4 Pierced Metal Diyas

Why this one

A tea light in an open dish lights the ceiling. A tea light inside a pierced shade throws the pattern of the cutwork onto whatever is next to it - the wall, the tablecloth, the back of the console. That is a different effect and it is the reason to own these alongside, rather than instead of, a set of flat diyas. Four is enough because each one is doing more work than a flat diya does.

Which one do I need

We carry four gold metal shapes and they are genuinely different objects, not colourways of one thing:

• Lotus, 5 in, set of 6 - the widest and most sculptural, with long pointed petals that splay outward like an open water lily. The showpiece of the four.
• Dhanteras blossom, 4 in, set of 10 - shallow and simple, six rounded lobes. The one to buy when you want a lot of small lights across a long table.
• Kamal cup, 3.25 in, set of 10 - the only deep one, a fluted little bowl 1.75 in tall. Holds the flame down inside, so it does not blow out as easily.
• Jali shade, 4.5 in, set of 4 - not a dish at all but a tapered pierced lantern 3.5 in tall. The light comes out through the cut pattern rather than off the top.

Where it works

Against a plain wall where the cast pattern has somewhere to land. A bookshelf, a mantel, a bedside table, either side of a mirror. They also work as a low table lamp on a side table when you are not lighting a whole room.

Gifting

Four holders is a neat gift on its own, and the shape reads as a lantern rather than a festival item - so it does not get put away in November.

Questions people ask

What size tea light fits?
A standard 1.5 inch tea light, the size sold in bags at any grocery store. LED tea lights of the same size sit just as well.

How do I clean it?
Wipe with a soft dry cloth. This is iron under a gold polish, so keep it dry, do not put it in the dishwasher, and wipe out any spilled wax once it has cooled and lifted out.

Does the outside get hot?
The metal warms up with a real tea light burning inside, the way any metal lantern does. Set it on a heat-safe surface and give it a minute to cool before you move it. An LED tea light avoids the question entirely.

Can I float these in water?
No. These are iron under a gold polish, and standing water will work under the finish and cause rust. For floating diyas you want an urli bowl instead.

Do they stack?
They nest, one inside the next, so all four store in the footprint of one.

Can I use them outdoors?
For an evening, yes - a covered porch or a still patio is fine. Bring them in overnight. Dew and sprinklers are what damage a gold polish, not the outdoors itself.

Where are these made?
India, by hand. Small differences between pieces in a set are normal and are how you can tell handwork from a machine-pressed import.

Can I order a larger quantity for an event?
Yes. Sets like this go out for weddings, temple events and office Diwali parties fairly often. Message us with your date and rough numbers before you order a set of four and we will tell you what we can hold.

Shipping

Free insured shipping across the USA and Canada. Ships from San Ramon, California, usually within one business day.

More festive lighting in the T-Lights & Diwali Diyas collection, and the wider Indian Festive Decor range.