These large lavishly decorated porcelain pieces are from China and are known as wedding lanterns. The piercings or reticulations worked into the extravagant designs would let out a glowing light, On each edge of the hexagonal lanterns is a stylized bat. Bats were revered in China as symbol of good luck and happiness. In Chinese, the word for bat is "fu" and is pronounced the same as the word for good fortune. Bats, like the ones on these lovely lanterns, were often depicted in red, the color representing joy. Dangling from each bat's mouth is a representation of a red paper lantern, a symbol of joy and peace. Below the bat in red is a stylized symbol called "Shou," representing longevity.
Each lantern comes in two pieces, a candlestick base with the matching shade. The fact that these delicate pieces survived intact and together all these decades certainly suggests that they are indeed imbued with good fortune!
Every inch of the surface of each lantern is covered with elaborate enamel designs. On each side is a round medallion, either portraying a bird perched near a lushly blooming peony. . .
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. . . or a young boy at play.
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Peonies represent wealth and prosperity. The bird is a magpie, is a symbol of happiness.
In traditional Chinese culture, having sons to carry on the family name was vital. Depictions of young boys at play were signs of good fortune. No doubt these lanterns were intended to bless the happy couple with many sons.
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