Chinese Hanging Lattice Work Lantern

Six sides of latticework, each a small ladder of dark red wood.

This hanging lattice work lantern was made in Shanxi Province, China, in wood in the 20th century. Lanterns of this kind were commonly hung in homes, courtyards and shops and lit with a lamp or candle. The body is a hexagonal frame of slim vertical posts and crossbars, forming repeating open rectangles. Small post caps rise at the corners, with a thin metal loop at the top for hanging. The wood is deep, reddish brown, with fine wear and traces of darker finish.

About twenty-six inches tall. Hang it low and the shadows do the decorating.