Object Image

Candlestand

Chinese Artist

Glass was rarely manufactured in China, so other translucent materials were used instead for lanterns. This lantern was made from slices of ox horn that were soaked in warm water and worked together to form a single sheet. The sheets were then hammered thin and shaped into shades and painted on the outside. Imagine how these lanterns would have looked when the candle inside was lit!

Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust

early 17th century
Huanghuali wood
60.0 x 152.4in
64-4/14 B
Image and text: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 2023

Where you'll find this

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Permanent collection