An evening glow through the flowers
Some objects have such a strong character that they can transform an entire room. This black soapstone oil lamp is one of those. Indian craftsmen carve and polish each piece, then cut a delicate flower pattern into all four sides. When a candle flame inside lights it up, soft shadow patterns play across the wall and the shelf. Ten centimetres wide, eight centimetres tall, made of solid stone – not only beautiful, but long-lasting.
Two uses in one object
On top there is a small container that holds either oil-and-water or aroma wax. To use it as an oil burner, you only need to do this: pour a little water into the container, then add 5–10 drops of essential oil. Place a tealight underneath and light it. The flame slowly warms the oil-and-water mixture and the fragrance begins to spread gently. With aroma wax it works the same way: drop the cubes into the container and light a tealight beneath. The small upper dish is removable and can be cleaned separately.
Why black soapstone?
One of the most beautiful qualities of soapstone is that it holds heat for a long time without cracking. The black tone gives a ceremonial, evening atmosphere: the flower outlines stand out crisply, and the polish of the stone has an almost “warm, softly lacquered” effect by candlelight. An object you can happily display on a shelf during the day – but it truly comes to life in the evening, in candlelight.
Practical details
The 10×8 centimetre size sits beautifully on a bedside table, a small coffee table, a bathroom shelf or in a meditation corner. The stone weighs nearly half a kilo, so it is completely stable and will not tip. The flower pattern runs all the way around, so it looks lovely from every angle.
Cleaning and care
It is good practice to rinse the upper container with lukewarm water after each use, so old oil does not mix with new. Wipe the outside of the stone with a soft cloth. Hardened aroma wax can be flicked off – it is not absorbed by the stone. Avoid strong dishwashing detergent and scouring agents, as these can dull the finely polished black surface.