The Changxin Palace Lantern was
unearthed in 1968 in Zhongshan King Liu Sheng's and his wife's tomb of the
Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD). What's fine and ingenious about the lantern is
that it not only ideally combines aesthetics and scientific technologies but
also realizes the harmonious unification of decorativeness and practicality.
The lantern is 48 cm high and weighs 16 kg.
Textual research shows that this lantern was used by Emperor Jingdi's mother
(156-140BC) of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). The lantern has an ingenious
design and, as a whole, is shaped like a maid of honor on her knees holding a
lantern. The maid is hollow, and her head and right arm are removable. The lamp
holder, base and cover can all be re-assembled. Its round lamp base can rotate
and the light intensity and direction are also adjustable. When the lantern is
lit, smoke flows directly into the maid's body through her arm to keep the
indoor air clean. The lamp holder can store water, which dissolves soot from the
smoke. The lantern looks as one integrated whole and boasts much artistic
beauty. It is on display at the Hebei Provincial
Museum.
The Changxin Palace Lantern is of fine
foundry, and it is a masterpiece that represents the bronze arts of the Han
Dynasty. The lantern successfully presents the outstanding design intentions of
the artisan and integrated lighting, air purification and polished designs.