This six-sided lantern is an exquisite example of porcelain ware composed of panels with different pierced openwork patterns. The openings, used to diffuse light, were cut with a knife after the clay had partially dried and before a glaze was applied. The surface is also decorated with medallions painted in polychrome colours. This type of lantern would have been placed on a tall wooden stand, sometimes attached to a pole to vary the height.
Physical description
Six-sided lantern made of panels with different lattice patterns and painted in 'famille rose' enamels.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
1725-1750 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Porcelain, pierced and painted with overglaze enamels
Dimensions
Height: 33.5 cm
Descriptive line
Six-sided porcelain lantern with pierced lattice patterns, painted with 'famille rose' enamels, Qing, made in China, 1725-1750
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Bushell, Chinese Art, fig 56
Materials
Porcelain; Enamel
Techniques
Painting (image-making); Piercing
Subjects depicted
Women; Figures (representations); Peonies
Categories
Porcelain; Ceramics; Lighting
Collection
East Asia Collection