Molly Ayala
The Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907, is known for its military power and influence, particularly in Central Asia. During this period, ancient China saw advancements in lighting technology, with the use of pottery lamps, palace lanterns, and candles made from beeswax. However, the development of electric lighting would not occur until much later, in 1809, with the invention of electric arc lamps by British chemist Humphry Davy. So, while the Tang Dynasty made significant contributions to various aspects of Chinese society, including the creation of exquisite lamps, they did not have access to electric light.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time Period | 618 to 907 |
| First Emperor | Li Yuan (Emperor Gaozu) |
| Lighting Sources | Candles made of beeswax, pottery lamps, palace lanterns |
| Electricity | Not available during the Tang Dynasty |
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What You'll Learn
The use of candles
The Tang Dynasty, lasting from 618 to 907, witnessed a transition in lighting technology. While bronze lamps were still prevalent during this period, they were gradually replaced by porcelain lamps. These porcelain lamps, adorned with intricate designs, enhanced the beauty of illumination. However, bronze lamps remained exclusive to royal palaces and aristocratic families.
Beeswax candles were widely used during the Tang Dynasty, offering a more accessible and affordable lighting option. The production of white wax candles was also introduced during this time, though it became more common in the following dynasties. The mastery of candle-making techniques during the Tang Dynasty contributed to the advancement of lighting technology, reducing humanity's reliance on traditional fire sources.
Palace lanterns, a significant aspect of the Tang Dynasty, were elaborately decorated and used to showcase the emperor's wealth and luxury. These lanterns, made with fine wood, silk, and glass, were hung in palaces and during festivals, illuminating the night with their colourful patterns. The Changxin Palace Lantern, in particular, was renowned for its exquisite design and production, earning its place as "China's first light".
The history of the Tang Dynasty showcases the evolution of lighting technology, with candles and lanterns playing a pivotal role in illuminating homes and palaces. The mastery of candle-making techniques during this period contributed to the development of lighting solutions, shaping the way people interacted with their surroundings after dark.
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Pottery lamps
The use of pottery lamps in China dates back to ancient times, with some scholars believing that a trumpet-shaped mouth utensil unearthed in Zhejiang Province is one of the first pottery lamps, dating back more than 7,000 years. Others argue that a broad-mouthed utensil discovered in a Shang Dynasty tomb is the earliest example of a pottery lamp.
Between the Han and Tang dynasties, the number of porcelain lamps increased, gradually replacing bronze lamps. Beeswax candles were widely used during the Tang Dynasty, and the lamps were often made of glazed earthenware. These lamps featured a small tray area beneath the bowl section at the top for holding the lamp, with a gradual flare in proportions toward the bottom to provide a secure base. The glaze colours were controlled through ribbing up and down the neck, with only small amounts running down near the bottom. The patterned appearance of these lamps may have been inspired by designs found on silk textiles of the time.
In conclusion, while there is some debate about the exact origins of pottery lamps in China, they played a significant role in the Tang Dynasty, with glazed earthenware lamps and beeswax candles being commonly used for illumination.
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Bronze lamps
The use of bronze lamps in ancient China predates the Tang Dynasty. In fact, the earliest known use of bronze lamps in China dates back to the Qin and Han dynasties, marking the first prosperous stage of lighting development in the country. These bronze lamps were exclusively used in royal palaces and by aristocratic families. The four major types of bronze lamps during this period included those in the shape of dou and gui cooking utensils, human-shaped lamps, and tree-shaped lamps.
The use of bronze lamps continued into the Tang Dynasty, as evidenced by the discovery of metal objects in a buried treasure cache found in the old capital of Chang'an in 1970. This hoard included a variety of metal objects, including gold and silver items, suggesting that metalwork was indeed present during the Tang Dynasty.
However, it is important to note that during the Tang Dynasty, the use of bronze lamps was gradually replaced by porcelain lamps. The increase in porcelain lamp production between the Han and Tang dynasties led to a shift away from bronze lamps, which is why we see fewer examples of bronze lamps from this later period.
While the Tang Dynasty did not have access to electric lighting as we know it today, they had made significant advancements in lighting technology. During this period, the use of candles made from beeswax became widespread, and the development of porcelain lamps added to the beauty and craftsmanship of lighting fixtures.
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Palace lanterns
During the Tang Dynasty, from 618 to 907, there was no electric lighting. The use of candles and oil lamps was common, with beeswax candles and pottery or porcelain lamps being widely used.
The Changxin Palace Lantern, used in the residence of Empress Dowager Dou, is a notable example of a Tang Dynasty palace lantern. It is known as "China's first light" and has been recognised as a masterpiece of national arts and crafts. The design and production process of this lamp are considered exquisite, with a unique artistic conception. The lamp features engraved inscriptions, with one of them indicating that it belonged to the "Yangxin Jia" family.
Luoyang palace lanterns also have a long history, dating back to the Eastern Han dynasty. According to legend, Emperor Liu Xiu of the Han dynasty decorated the palace in Luoyang with various beautiful lanterns to celebrate the establishment of the dynasty. This tradition inspired the name "palace lantern." On January 15, during the reign of Emperor Suiyangdi, palace lanterns adorned the city for half a month, and this custom continued during the Lantern Festival after the Sui and Tang dynasties.
The use of palace lanterns during the Tang Dynasty not only provided lighting but also showcased the sophistication and artistry of their craftsmanship. These lanterns served as a means to display the emperor's opulence and played a significant role in shaping the lighting culture of ancient China.
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Electric lighting post-Tang dynasty
The Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907, was not an era of electric lighting. Instead, the people of the Tang Dynasty primarily used candles made of beeswax, and porcelain lamps, which had been introduced in the previous dynasty, the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty also saw the creation of the Changxin Palace Lamp, which was placed in the residence of Empress Dowager Dou.
Following the Tang Dynasty, the Song Dynasty (960-1279) continued to use candles, but these were now made of white wax, a skill that was mastered by the people of this dynasty. The Song Dynasty was also a time when the use of porcelain lamps continued to increase, and the beauty of these lamps was enhanced by the development of porcelain in the subsequent Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) continued the use of white wax candles and porcelain lamps, but it was not until the 19th century that electric lighting was introduced to China. In 1809, British chemist Humphry Davy invented the electric arc lamp, bringing humanity into the age of electric lighting. This innovation marked a significant shift in lighting technology, moving beyond the traditional use of candles, torches, and lamps that had prevailed in China for centuries.
While the exact timeline of the adoption of electric lighting in China after the Tang Dynasty is unclear, it is reasonable to assume that it gradually spread in the years following Davy's invention. The introduction of electric lighting would have revolutionized illumination, offering a new and modern alternative to the traditional lighting sources that had been relied upon for millennia.
The history of lighting in China, from the Tang Dynasty to the introduction of electric lighting, reflects the evolution of technology and aesthetics. The transition from beeswax candles and porcelain lamps to electric arc lamps demonstrates the progress and innovation that shaped the lighting industry, not just in China but worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
The Tang Dynasty took place between 618 and 907. During this time, candles made of beeswax were widely used, as were pottery lamps and palace lanterns.
Palace lanterns are traditional Chinese handicrafts used during various festivals. They are made using fine wood as a skeleton and decorated with spun silk and glass with coloured drawings or patterns. They originated during the Eastern Han dynasty and were used in palaces.
Pottery lamps were created as the technology for manufacturing pottery advanced. They are believed to have originated over 7,000 years ago, with some scholars arguing that a broad-mouthed utensil unearthed in a tomb from the Shang Dynasty was the earliest pottery lamp.
British chemist Humphry Davy invented electric arc lamps in 1809, bringing humanity into the age of electric lighting.
