Lantern with "The Eight Symbols" (Palguae) Decorations
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Object Label
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.
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
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Lantern with "The Eight Symbols" (Palguae) Decorations
Date
19th century
Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Geography
Place made: Korea
Medium
Wood, bamboo, paper, lacquer, metal
Classification
Dimensions
13 9/16 x 5 1/4 in. (34.5 x 13.3 cm)
Credit Line
Brooklyn Museum Collection
Accession Number
X1133
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
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.
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