<em>Lantern with "The Eight Symbols" (Palguae) Decorations</em>, 19th century. Wood, bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal, 13 9/16 x 5 1/4 in. (34.5 x 13.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X1133. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , X1133_PS11.jpg)

Lantern with "The Eight Symbols" (Palguae) Decorations, 19th century. Wood, bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal, 13 9/16 x 5 1/4 in. (34.5 x 13.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X1133. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum (in collaboration with National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Daejon, Korea), CUR.X1133_Collins_photo_NRICH.jpg)

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How would this lantern work?

The part you see around the outside is actually a laminated shade. The candle would rest inside, standing upright (with the wick pointing toward the handle).

Since the handle was on top, the light of the candle was actually meant to be cast downward, illuminating the path. This was a way for people to see where they were walking at night without disturbing sleeping people nearby.

Oh interesting! It's like an inverted lamp!

What is this?

This is a lantern! It was used like a flashlight in Korean palace compounds in the 19th century. They would hold it handle up so that the light of the candle inside illuminated the pathway.

It's decorated with Chinese characters that contain a message that the lantern would light 100 miles.

Wow, thank you.

Lantern with "The Eight Symbols" (Palguae) Decorations

Asian Art

Lanterns such as this one were used like flashlights in Korea’s large palace compounds. A metal swing inside the laminated shade held a lit candle erect even as the lantern swayed. Night guards would patrol the grounds carrying the lanterns with the handle up so the light of the candle was cast downward, illuminating the path but not disturbing the palace residents.

MEDIUM Wood, bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal

Place Made: Korea

DATES 19th century

DYNASTY Joseon Dynasty

DIMENSIONS 13 9/16 x 5 1/4 in. (34.5 x 13.3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Asian Art

ACCESSION NUMBER X1133

CREDIT LINE Brooklyn Museum Collection

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Lantern with "The Eight Symbols" (Palguae) Decorations, 19th century. Wood, bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal, 13 9/16 x 5 1/4 in. (34.5 x 13.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X1133. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , X1133_PS11.jpg)

IMAGE overall, X1133_PS11.jpg., 2017

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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