A pair of enamel palace lanterns from the Qing Dynasty sold for 967,500 yuan ($124,038) at the CHRISTIE'S Hong Kong 2007 Autumn Auctions. [Photo/ artron.net]

The Chinese palace lantern, also known as Gongdeng, is one of the traditional folk artworks that could be used only in the imperial palace. These exquisite lanterns seem to be decorations more than lighting tools. During the Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618), the emperor ordered the whole capital city be decorated with palace lanterns on the 15th day of the first month in the lunar calendar, also known as the Lantern Festival. Since then, the Chinese decorate homes with lanterns on that day.

Today is the Lantern Festival. Let’s take a look at some exquisite palace lanterns from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).