Gold-coated Lantern

Changxin Palace Lantern, unearthed in 1968 from a Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 8 AD) tomb in Hebei Province, is a masterpiece of Han bronze art. Standing 48 cm tall and weighing 16 kg, it depicts a kneeling maid holding a lamp. This unique human-shaped bronze lantern combines aesthetic beauty with practical functionality. The lantern’s ingenious design includes a hollow body, removable parts, and a rotating base for adjustable lighting. Its smoke-filtering mechanism, channeling smoke through the maid’s arm into her body, demonstrates advanced environmental awareness. The gilt-bronze craftsmanship and intricate design make it an exceptional representation of Han Dynasty metalwork and engineering. 长信宫灯于1968年在河北省出土，属西汉时期（公元前206年-公元8年）文物。高48厘米，重16公斤，造型为跪坐持灯的宫女，是目前所见唯一的汉代人形铜灯。 该铜灯设计精巧，将美学与实用性完美结合。其中空身体、可拆卸部件和可旋转底座使光线方向可调，而通过宫女手臂将烟雾导入体内的设计体现了先进的环保理念。整体鎏金工艺精湛，是汉代青铜艺术与工程智慧的杰出代表作。