Butter lamp stand

Offering stands are another type of shrine furniture. This example has open sides and a front carved with jewels and floral motifs that are painted and were probably gilded. The upper section that extends from the back of the stand shows a deep carving of a “face of glory” (kirttimukha), framed by a three-lobed arch that culminates in a motif of flaming jewels. Crowning the shrine stand is a carved decorative plaque featuring three large jewels. Typically the lower two ledges of such stands would be used for placing butter lamps and other offerings while the upper ledge could accommodate small sculptures.