Bought in Ladakh in 1975 - lamp or inkwell?

Can anyone enlighten me please? There is no trace of oil or ink inside.

 

Welcome Howler -The smart friendly folks here will make you want to pick even more !
@Any Jewelry is your divvy on this one.

 

It is an inkwell, made further south in India. Ladakh, though Tibetan/Himalayan in culture is part of India, so items from other parts of India often end up in Ladakh.

It wasn't very old when it was bought in 1975. That said, there are collectors of inkwells, and there is interest for this type.

 

inkwell seems the better fit....
too small for a lamp.....

 

OK many thanks - I've always intended to use it as an inkwell so finally after 50 years I've just bought a quill pen !

 

a liner may not be a bad idea !!

 

It’s very cool that you planing to actually use it. Also makes an attractive little decor item

 

I definitely agree with this. No telling what sort of metal mix it's made of. Put a glass insert in. Maybe even find an ink bottle that fits inside. Also, if there's no tight seal, the water in the ink will evaporate and you'll have only the hardened pigment left.