China, Jingdezhen, 18th century Porcelain with metal mountsThe two pieces of porcelain here were specifically moulded for use in this lamp. Holes were moulded (not drilled later) into each piece to hold the fittings. An unglazed candleholder is moulded onto the bottom piece. A glass cylinder would have been held between the porcelain pieces, to protect the candle flame. This unusual style of lamp is not encountered in Chinese Buddhist or Daoist temples, and was probably made for a church or mosque.
