{"product_id":"kerala-brass-samai-oil-lamp","title":"Kerala Brass Samai Oil Lamp - Set of 2, 14in Kuthu Vilakku","description":"\u003cp\u003eTwo Kerala-style \u003cstrong\u003esamai\u003c\/strong\u003e oil lamps, 14 inches tall, sold as a pair because that is how they are lit - one either side of the deity, or one at each end of a mandir shelf. Solid brass, hand-engraved, with the tiered stem and flared bowl of the Kerala nilavilakku.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet of 2 lamps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight 14 in each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight 726 g each (approx. 25 oz), 1,452 g for the set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: solid brass with a golden polish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForm: Kerala nilavilakku \/ kuthu vilakku \/ samai\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandcrafted in India\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy this one\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt is a pair, not a single lamp.\u003c\/strong\u003e Most 14-inch samai are sold one at a time and you have to buy twice. Lamps are lit in twos, so this listing matches the ritual.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e726 g each, 1,452 g for the set.\u003c\/strong\u003e Solid brass through the stem, which is what stops a tall narrow lamp from being top-heavy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Kerala silhouette specifically\u003c\/strong\u003e - a tiered stem stepping out to a wide flared oil bowl, distinct from the plainer North Indian samai.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere it works\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA home mandir or pooja room, one either side of the idol. Also used flanking a doorway at Diwali and Karthigai Deepam, or at each end of a dining table during a festival meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGifting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pair format makes this a complete gift as it stands, which is why it goes out for griha pravesh and weddings. Fourteen inches is the size most people actually have room for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many lamps do I get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTwo. The price is for the pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat oil and wick does it take?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSesame or coconut oil with a cotton wick, or ghee. The flared bowl holds enough for an evening and catches drips rather than letting them run down the stem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is a Kerala samai different from other oil lamps?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe stem is tiered rather than plain and the oil bowl flares out wide at the top. It is the shape used in Kerala temples and in Malayali homes for the evening lamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it solid brass?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. At 726 g in a single 14-inch lamp the weight confirms it - a plated or hollow piece of these dimensions would weigh a fraction as much.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I clean it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWipe out the cooled oil with a paper towel, then dust with a dry cloth. Pitambari powder, Brasso or lemon and salt all bring the shine back. Dry it thoroughly afterwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the finish change over time?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBrass darkens naturally. Polish it back with a standard brass cleaner if you prefer it bright, or leave it to deepen - both are normal and neither harms the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it go outdoors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is made for indoor use. Brass weathers and spots outdoors, so keep it sheltered if you put it on a covered porch or patio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if it arrives damaged?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nShipping is insured. Photograph the damage, email contact@urliutsav.com, and we will replace it or make it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I return it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes, within 30 days in original condition and packaging. Return shipping is arranged and paid by the customer, so please check the dimensions against your space first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree insured shipping across the USA and Canada. Ships from San Ramon, California, usually within one business day. Brass is heavy and we pack it accordingly - if anything arrives damaged, send us a photo and we will resolve it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee more brass decor and spiritual pieces in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/urliutsav.com\/collections\/brass-love\"\u003eBrass Love Collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Urli Utsav Decor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43366084968499,"sku":"keralasamai","price":170.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/1534\/2899\/files\/brass-kerala-samai-1.jpg?v=1772435635","url":"https:\/\/urliutsav.com\/products\/kerala-brass-samai-oil-lamp","provider":"Urli Utsav","version":"1.0","type":"link"}