Skip to Main Content

Open today: 10am-5pm

1723-1735

Hexagonal Lantern

Artist/maker unknown

Image 1 of 31 / 3

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.

This record is part of an ongoing effort to share accurate and evolving information. If you notice anything we should improve, we welcome your feedback at [email protected]

Images on this site are shared for educational use. For image rights, permissions, or to learn more about image rights and access, email [email protected]