Height 29.8 cm; Diameter of rim 22.2 cm; Diameter of foot 19.1 cm

This distinguished ceramic lamp from the Northern Dynasties to Sui period of China exemplifies the intricate artistry and cultural syncretism of the era. Crafted from earthenware and adorned with relief decorations under a luminous green glaze, this lamp stands at a height of 29.8 cm. Its body is supported by a robust, footed base with a diameter of 19.1 cm, while the rim of the lamp stretches to 22.2 cm.

The lamp features a central frieze of lions, which, though not indigenous to China, had become symbols of protection and guardianship by the sixth century, associated with the flourishing influence of Buddhism. These lions are thought to defend the Buddhist faith and law, reflecting the deep integration of Buddhist motifs and ideologies into Chinese culture during this period. Surrounding the body of the lamp, two types of relief lotus petals, a significant Buddhist symbol of purity and enlightenment, elegantly circle both the bowl and the foot, resonating with common ornamental motifs found in sixth-century Buddhist art.

This piece not only served a practical purpose as a source of light but also as a spiritual symbol, underscoring the blend of artistic craftsmanship and religious significance during the transition from the Northern Dynasties to the Sui dynasty. Its acquisition by the Fletcher Fund in 1927 and subsequent classification under ceramics highlight its valued presence as a historical artifact that captures a pivotal moment in Chinese religious and artistic evolution.