Chinese Lamps & Lights

Beautiful Chinese porcelain jars were often converted to lamps rather than used to contain foods and spices. These jars were created during the 19th century in China for export due to a high demand for porcelain jars in Western regions like Europe. Chinese lamps were also created from lacquered wooden statues and other past exported goods, and often sit in homes as hidden treasures.

As early as 259 B.C., China began making candles out of whale fat. During this time, candlestick holders were created as well. These were made out of materials like metal, porcelain, and jade.

Candlestick holders in China were treated very sculpturally and often took on the form of birds, famous historical figures, or flowers. Other simpler candlestick holders were treated more minimally and were created from porcelain or wood, but decorated with natural motifs or sometimes left plain in order to showcase the material used.

Quick Facts

• Chinese lamps were converted from jars without knowledge of their high value. Many of these lamps were converted from ancient imperial porcelains
• In ancient China, candlestick holders were placed as lights within tombs so that the dead might see in the dark during the afterlife
• Some Chinese lamps were once porcelain temple urns. These jar lamps usually consist of the entire jar and domed lid adhered to a wooden stand. The jar is then pierced on top and bottom so that wiring and metalwork for the lamp may be added