Casting Model for a Goosefoot Lamp in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2017

Casting Model for a Goosefoot Lamp (Yanzudeng)

Period: Warring States period (475–221 B.C.)

Date: 3rd century BC

Culture: China

Medium: Earthenware

Dimensions: H. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm); W. 4 5/16 in. (11 cm); L. 4 15/16 in. (12.6 cm)

Classification: Ceramics

Credit Line: Lent by Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology


Geese are, for the Chinese, a symbol of loyalty and discipline, and lamps in the shape of a goose foot were one of the most popular lamp forms of the Qin–Han era. Bird- or beast-footed vessels were prevalent in the ancient Mediterranean world, suggesting the possible influence of that far-off region.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/695619