Hexagonal Lantern
Artist/maker unknown, Chinese
Geography:
Made in China, Asia
Period:
Yongzheng Period (1723-1735)Date:
1723-1735Medium:
Porcelain with overglaze enamel decoration (Famille rose)Dimensions:
12 7/8 x 8 3/8 inches (32.7 x 21.3 cm)Curatorial Department:
East Asian Art
1955-50-106Credit Line:
The Alfred and Margaret Caspary Memorial Gift, 1955
Made in China, Asia
Period:
Yongzheng Period (1723-1735)Date:
1723-1735Medium:
Porcelain with overglaze enamel decoration (Famille rose)Dimensions:
12 7/8 x 8 3/8 inches (32.7 x 21.3 cm)Curatorial Department:
East Asian Art
* Gallery 326, Asian Art, third floor
Accession Number:1955-50-106Credit Line:
The Alfred and Margaret Caspary Memorial Gift, 1955
Label:
This delicate porcelain lantern is so light in the hand that it feels almost weightless. Candles placed within it would have glowed and flickered through the intricate lattice designs, which required great skill to achieve due to the extremely thin clay. It was not until the early 1700s that artists developed this piercing technique.
Auspicious Decoration
The four flowers within the central medallions on the six sides—the camellia, rose, peony, and lily—convey peace, unity, and longevity.
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