The Ox Beast Shaped Lamp Han Era Style

A small beautiful bronze ox beast shape lantern. The use of lamps, of various shapes and materials, became popular during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Such lamps, known for technical refinement, are among the best examples of ancient Chinese craftsmanship. Han-era bronze lamps cast in the shape of an ox or featuring ox motifs. The lamp body features common motifs, such as swirling clouds, triangles and spirals, as well as mythological and auspicious animals. The originally design of this type of lamp is that it includes three moveable parts, the ox-shaped foundation and water container, on top of which is an enclosed holder to place candles and an arched tube. When lit, the smoke enters the tube and then the ox’s belly where it is absorbed by water. The design is to keep the air clean and fresh. This particular miniature piece shows the outline of its original design without the move able part in side as an artifact. Early 20th century. Originally from China.

The lamps and lanterns in the Han Dynasty are an art that reflects social life and expresses the artist’s thoughts. With the demise of the former dynasty, the etiquette system continued to disintegrate, and the bronze utensils gradually decreased in practicality. However, The lamps and lanternsof the Han Dynasty were inherited an innovated based on the lamps and lanterns of the Warring States Period and the Qin Dynasty. The funeral concept of “death is like life, things are as wide as existence”, and the bronze lamp reflects the aesthetic characteristics of the times. It can be seen from many cultural relics that the bronze lamps are exquisite in materials, ingenious in design, and exquisite in beauty.

Dimensions: 1.5″ x  5″ x 6.25″

Antique piece. Sell in used, pre-owned condition. Vintage and antique items by nature have variable amounts of wear, imperfections, signs of use, age and time. Perfectly imperfect. Condition shown as in pictures. Kindly contact us if you need more info. or detail pictures.