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Lamp in the Shape of a Deer

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
One of a pair, this lamp was excavated from the area of a princely tomb that housed bathroom utensils. Judging by its long neck and mane, this deer probably represents the mi species, or Père David’s deer, which populated northern China in antiquity but has since gone extinct. The tray would have been filled with an animal- or plant-based fuel, and a hemp stem was plugged onto each of the three spikes, to be lit as a wick. Two lumps of beeswax were found together with this lamp, providing evidence of its use as lighting fuel in the Han dynasty.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 西汉 青铜鎏金鹿灯
  • Title: Lamp in the Shape of a Deer
  • Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Gilt bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 17 11/16 in. (45 cm); Diam. of lamp 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Nanjing Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art