A RARE BRONZE TEN-LIGHT OIL LAMP

THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN

Details

A RARE BRONZE TEN-LIGHT OIL LAMP
HAN DYNASTY

Composed of a domed, reticulated base pierced and cast with two striding tigers, their sinuous bodies striped and their jaws spread wide to encompass the base of the tall, narrow spike cast along its tapering height with three trefoil holders into which are inserted three curved arms, each of these fitted with a shallow cup, a small projection at the side partially hollowed to receive a reticulated, flame-form plaque cast with a phoenix standing amidst foliage, the whole surmounted by a tenth cup and plaque--32 3/8in. (82.3cm.) high

Lot Essay

For an article which discusses a variety of Qin and Han lamps, including this type of 'branched' lamp, see Ye Xiaoyan "Zhanguo Qin Han de deng ji youguan wenti," Wenwu, 1983:7, pp. 78-86. Compare also the base of a gilt bronze lamp, dated Western Han Dynasty exhibited in Ancient Chinese Bronzes from the Stoclet and Wessen Collections, Eskenazi Ltd., London 11 June-12 July 1975, Catalogue, no. 9, pp. 50-51