Bronze ‘money tree’ lamp

China, Han dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD

Height: 29 1/2 inches, 74.5 cm

From the time of the Warring States (475 – 221 BC) onwards, lamps were made in many different and highly inventive shapes. Their purpose was to light up the feasts in tombs, as well as depicting the immortal worlds within them. This lamp combines its functional purpose with the mythical aspects of the ‘money tree’ or ‘money shaking tree’, so called after the coins distributed amongst their branches. They rank as some of the most mythologically charged Han period archaeological finds and are typical of south-west China. Without exception, these money trees are dated to the late Han period, although they are given no mention in Han period literature. Mostly found with a ceramic base, this example is rare in that it is entirely made from bronze[1].