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Changxin Palace Lantern

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.

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