Palace Lantern Holder

This silk embroidery painting draws inspiration from the Gilt Bronze Human-Shaped Lamp, a remarkable Han Chinese bronze artifact discovered in the tomb of Dou Wan in Mancheng, Hebei province, in 1968. The original artifact, now housed in the Hebei Museum, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Han dynasty and offers insights into ancient Chinese culture.

The silk embroidery faithfully replicates the intricate details of the Han artifact, showcasing a kneeling maid holding a lamp in a full-bodied gilt setting. The maid's elegant expression and the meticulous reproduction of the lamp's design reflect the artistry of the original piece. The hand embroidery captures the extraordinary integration of practicality and decorativeness seen in the Changxin palace lamp, where the maid's hollow sleeve allows smoke from the lit-up candle to rise and be collected in her body, cleverly designed to avoid air pollution.

Measuring 48 centimeters in height, the embroidered lamp mirrors the dismantlable structure of the original, highlighting the practicality of the ancient design. The silk embroidery artwork not only pays homage to the historical significance of the Han Chinese bronzes but also serves as a visual narrative, echoing the 65 characters inscribed on the original artifact, which tell the captivating story of its owner from around 2,000 years ago. This silk embroidered art thus becomes a splendid homage to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of ancient China.