Figure of lion mounted as lamp 1798 - 1902

This lamp, incorporating a Chinese figure of a lion, presents a fascinating fusion of cultures and functions. The lion, typically a symbol of power and protection in Chinese art, has been repurposed here. The transformation of the figure into a lamp raises questions about the circulation and reception of Chinese art objects in the West. When and why did someone decide to integrate this powerful symbol into a functional household item? What does this tell us about the Western perception and appropriation of Chinese culture? We might also consider the economic context. Was this a unique commission? Or was it part of a larger trend of mass-produced ‘Orientalia’ catering to Western tastes? Historians can explore these questions further by examining trade records, auction catalogs, and design publications. These documents can help us to understand how Chinese art and culture were commodified and consumed in the West, and what role institutions played in that process.