Unique bronze lamp with bird-shaped handle from over 2,000 years ago

This exquisite Warring States Period (475-221 BC) bronze bird-handled lamp features a shallow, circular dish with a trumpet-shaped base and an inverted gourd-shaped midsection. At the center of the dish stands a conical candle holder, with a handle extending from one side, adorned with an intricately crafted bird.

The bird, with its head lowered and neck extended, grips the edge of the dish with its beak. The delicate feathers etched on the bird bring it to life with incredible detail.

Unearthed from a tomb in Shangwang village, Linzi district of Zibo city, Shandong province, the bronze lamp is the only one of its kind discovered in China. It is now housed at the Zibo Museum.