Changxin Palace Lantern of the Western Han Dynasty
What is the Changxin Palace Lantern of the Western Han Dynasty？
Changxin Palace Lantern of the Western Han Dynasty, a bronze ware of the Han Dynasty in China, was built in 1968 in Mancheng County, Baoding City, Hebei Province (on a cliff about 1.5 kilometers southwest of Mancheng District, today's Baoding, Hebei Province) ǎ n] Unearthed from the tomb. In 2010, it was exhibited as an exhibit of the Expo 2010, China. The palace lamp body is a gilded palace maid who sits comfortably with both hands holding the lamp, with a calm and elegant demeanor. The lamp body has a height of 48 centimeters and weighs 15.85 kilograms. The design of Changxin Palace Lantern is very ingenious. The palace maid holds the lantern in one hand and the sleeve in the other hand seems to be windproof, which is actually a rainbow tube used to absorb oil fumes, not only preventing air pollution, but also having aesthetic value. This palace lantern got its name because it was placed in the Changxin Palace of Empress Dowager Dou (Grandma Liu Sheng) and is now in Hebei Museum.
Characteristics
The Changxin Palace Lantern is 48 centimeters tall, the Palace Maiden is 44.5 centimeters tall, and weighs 15.85 kilograms. The whole body is gilded, appearing brilliant and magnificent. The gilding process on bronze wares appeared in the Warring States period. After gilding treatment, the surface of copper ware is magnificent, and gilding also plays an important role in protecting the bronze ware. This unearthed Changxin Palace lantern is the best witness.
The overall shape of the palace lamp is a kneeling palace maid holding the lamp with both hands. The head, body, right arm, lamp holder, lamp panel, and lampshade are assembled by casting six parts separately. The palace maid's body is empty, and her head and right arm can also be disassembled. The palace maid holds the lampholder with her left hand, holds the lampshade with her right hand, and communicates with the chimney of the lamp with her right arm, using her sleeve as a conduit for smoke exhaust. The wide sleeves naturally fall, cleverly forming the top of the lamp. The lampshade is made of two curved tile shaped copper plates that are folded together to form a circular shape, embedded in the groove of the lamp panel, and can be opened and closed left and right, allowing for arbitrary adjustment of the direction, brightness, and intensity of the light. Insert candles in the center of the lamp panel and on the braze rod. After lighting, smoke will enter the palace maid's sleeve and not pollute the environment. It can maintain indoor cleanliness. The design of the shape and structure of the palace lamp is reasonable, and many components can be disassembled. [3] The lamp panel has a square hole handle, and there is still rotten wood inside. The seat looks like a bean. There is a small amount of wax like residue on the upper part of the lampshade, so it is speculated that the substances burned in the palace lantern are Animal fat or candles. The surface of palace lanterns does not have too many decorations or complex patterns, making them appear more simple among contemporary palace utensils.
Cultural relic value
Changxin Palace Lantern has changed from the mysterious and heavy bronze vessels in the past, and the entire shape and decoration style appear relaxed, lightweight, and gorgeous. It is a practical and beautiful lamp treasure. The copper statue of a palace maid is hollow inside, with its empty right arm and sleeve forming a copper lamp shade that can be freely opened and closed. The dust generated by combustion can be deposited inside the palace maid's body through her right arm and will not be dispersed in large quantities into the surrounding environment. Its environmental protection concept reflects the wisdom of the ancient Chinese people, and the Changxin Palace Lamp is known as the "first lamp in China". Former US Secretary of State Kissinger visited the Changxin Palace Lantern during his visit to China and exclaimed, "Over 2000 years ago, the Chinese people learned about environmental protection, which is truly remarkable
Changxin Palace Lantern has always been regarded as the pinnacle of Chinese arts and crafts and an important representative of national crafts, and is widely praised. This is not only due to its uniqueness, rarity, and preciousness, but also to its exquisite craftsmanship and ingenious and unique artistic conception. Adopting the method of casting separately and then synthesizing as a whole. Experts in archaeology and metallurgical history unanimously recognize that the exquisite design and high level of production technology of this lamp were second to none among the palace lanterns of the Han Dynasty. In 1993, it was identified as a national treasure level cultural relic.
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