Light

　　Lamps, also known as "ding," were ancient lighting tools, evolved from the bean-shaped containers used for food. They came in various shapes and generally featured a top section to hold oil or candles; a central pillar for support; and a base. Some bases resembled goose feet, hence the name "goose-foot lamp." Others had three short legs beneath the dish, with a handle on the side, and bore inscriptions such as "portable lamp" or "portable candle lamp." There were also lamps cast in the shape of humans, birds, and animals. Such bronze lamps were prevalent from the Warring States period through the Han and Jin dynasties.

　　The opening and closing bronze lamp before you is a particularly ingenious design. The lamp is cylindrical with a two-layered lid that can be flipped open to form the lamp dish. A semicircular column extends from one side of the lamp body; the base has three layers, two of which are movable. The entire device can rotate and open and close, making it a unique design.