The Onion design was used as an oil or candle lamp in ship's passageways and holds. Now used at doorways, on a post or hanging ( see post or hanging category for those) and sends light all around and down to light steps. Optic glass sends light out in elegant stripes. Please see The Seeded Onion and The Onion for different glass. Go to About Glass at the top of the page for more glass info. Questions? Please call 800-606-1612