Cast Iron Chinese Lantern
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lanterns
Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Metalwork
Bronze, Enamel
20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Lanterns
Iron
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lanterns
Iron
Mid-20th Century Chinese Lanterns
Iron
Vintage 1960s Chinese Chinoiserie Chandeliers and Pendants
Iron
20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Vintage 1940s American Lanterns
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Wood, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Wall Mirrors
Wood
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings
Limestone
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
20th Century Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Regency Cabinets
Marble, Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Danish Biedermeier Sofas
Birch, Fabric
Mid-20th Century Japanese Art Deco Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Benches
Wood
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Iron
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Busts
Alabaster, Marble
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 1820s Chinese Chinese Export Patio and Garden Furniture
Porcelain, Paint, Pottery
21st Century and Contemporary American Fireplaces and Mantels
Bronze, Steel
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Satin, Silk, Walnut
Cast Iron Chinese Lantern For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Cast Iron Chinese Lantern?
Finding the Right Lanterns for You
Whether you’re in search of a functional fixture to help illuminate a room or just a minimalist ornamental touch, the choice of lighting is important. Selecting the perfect vintage, new or antique lanterns can transform an otherwise monotonous space in your home.
In the 1700s, lanterns became widely popular when accessibility broadened for whale oil, as fuel for lamps was one of its earliest uses. Lantern design evolved considerably during the mid- to late 19th century, when a powerful, adaptable fuel came into play: kerosene. Portable and immediately sought after, kerosene lamps were traditionally surrounded by a glass globe or tube that sat on a metal frame to protect the flame from spreading or extinguishing. (While reproductions abound, antique kerosene lanterns have since become collector's items.)
Later, in 1862, John H. Irwin created coil oil lamps, which were designed for coal oils as well as kerosene and lessened the risk of fire. They required plentiful oxygen to remain lit, and with refinements, the lamps could be used indoors. Lanterns increasingly came to be part of commercial spaces such as museums and theaters, and over time, lighting artisans worked to refine and perfect these innovative fixtures so that they weren’t only practical but also elegant, sophisticated additions to home decor.
Antiques inject a touch of classical chic into any space. With the right lantern, you could also deepen the impact of the collection of vases and vessels, sculptures or other decorative objects in a living room or dining room. It’s essential to find a balance between utility and aesthetics when choosing the perfect vintage–style lantern for your space, and the right lighting decisions can determine the underlying mood of a room as well as enhance the choices you’ve made for your home’s decor. While old-time charm is something to be cherished, there is lots to love in modern lanterns from today’s top furniture designers.
On 1stDibs, search by creator to find lanterns crafted by the likes of Woka Lamps, Barovier Toso and Material Lust or browse the collection by style. From today’s standouts to mid-century modern classics to Art Deco–era innovations, find the best vintage, new or antique lantern for you now.
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