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Lamp in the Shape of a Mythical Bird

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)

Not on view

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.

Lamp in the Shape of a Mythical Bird, Bronze, China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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

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