Title
Lamp
Year/Period
Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE)
Region
China
Material
Dimension
Object size: H25 x D18cm
Accession No.
1993-01542
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of The Shaw Foundation
This elaborate oil lamp is ‘mingqi’ or burial ware that would have been part of a group of tomb furnishings made for the ruling elite. It comprises many small cups that are supported by a stand with a tripod base. A wide variety, lamps were made for use in burials. Their function was to light up the tombs as it was deemed necessary for the soul’s safe journey into the next life.
