Repoussé Brass Lantern Pendant

A classic Indian bell-jar lantern: a ribbed melon-shaped glass globe on three brass chains, with a cut-glass smoke plate and hand-embossed repoussé brass.

Bulbs not included | 2-year warranty

For more than a century, the bell-jar lantern, or hundi, has hung in the verandahs, courtyards and stairwells of Indian havelis and colonial bungalows. Its parts were practical: a mouth-blown glass globe to shield the flame from the breeze, and a glass plate above it to catch the soot and stop the heat from scorching the ceiling. Long after oil gave way to electricity, the shape stayed, because nothing else glows quite like it.

Ours keeps every part. A round cut-glass smoke plate sits at the top, with three brass chains falling from it to a band of repoussé brass that grips the neck of the globe. Repoussé is hammered by hand from the back of the sheet, so the scrolling vine pattern stands up in soft relief. The globe is clear glass, blown into a melon shape with deep ribs that scatter the light. Below it, a small repoussé cup and a turned knob finish the lantern. The dark antique finish settles into the embossing, with honey-gold on the raised relief.

What makes the Repoussé Lantern distinctive

• Ribbed melon glass: A clear glass globe with deep vertical ribs that scatter the light.
• Hand-worked repoussé: The neck band and bottom cup are embossed by hand with a scrolling vine.
• Cut-glass smoke plate: The traditional glass disc above the globe, on three brass chains.
• Made to order in India: From Delhi Brass, a fourth-generation lighting and decorative metalwork company.

Materials & dimensions

• Material: Brass with repoussé work, clear ribbed glass and a cut-glass plate
• Finish: Antique brass
• Height: 17 inches / 43.2 cm, without chain
• Diameter: 8 inches / 20.3 cm
• Light source: One E27 bulb (not included)
• Warranty: 2 years
• Product code: 10461

Finding the right spot

The lantern is at home in verandahs, corridors, stairwells and entrances, and looks best hung in a row or a pair, one to each arch or bay. Over a kitchen island or a small table, hang two or three in a line about 30 inches above the surface. Where people walk beneath, keep at least 7 feet of clearance. Use a clear warm white (2700K) E27 filament bulb so the ribs of the glass catch the light.

Care

Switch off and let the bulb cool before cleaning. Wash the glass globe and plate in warm soapy water and dry them well. Dust the brass with a soft, dry brush to reach into the repoussé. Avoid metal polish, abrasives and chemical cleaners, which will strip the antique finish.

Before you order

This lantern is made to order and priced per piece. It takes one E27 bulb, which is not included, and comes with a 2-year warranty. Production takes 10–14 days, followed by 4–6 days for delivery.

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