Hanging Lamp in the Shape of a Foreigner
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Commerce with Asia and the Mediterranean not only brought exotic goods to China but also led to contact with foreign peoples, who became a popular subject in art. This figural lamp has identifiably non-Chinese features: deep eye sockets, a high-ridged nose, and curly hair tied in a topknot. His hollow body served as the fuel chamber, and a small aperture in his chest allowed fuel to flow into the circular tray. Among the numerous lamps excavated in China, this is the only known example to have chains, which points to the influence of the Mediterranean, where hanging lamps were prevalent.
Artwork Details
- 东汉 青铜人形吊灯
- Title: Hanging Lamp in the Shape of a Foreigner
- Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)
- Culture: China
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: H. 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm); L. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm)
Lamp: Diam. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) - Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Lent by Hunan Provincial Museum
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art