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Lamp in the Shape of a Mythical Bird

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.
This lamp, typical of southern Chinese bronzes, demonstrates a design innovation particular to the Han, a form of hollow-bodied lamp known as gang (literally, “hollow”). Smoke emitted from the lit fuel would enter the lamp via a point of ingress—in this case, the mouth and neck of the bird (likely a phoenix or a peacock)—and accumulate in the hollow inner body, which usually contained water. The smoke was therefore contained, and would not prove a nuisance to those nearby.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 西汉 青铜神鸟灯
  • Title: Lamp in the Shape of a Mythical Bird
  • Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 13 in. (33 cm); W. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm); L. 16 9/16 in. (42 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art