The History of Lighting Across Thousands of Years
Where there is human civilization, there is light.
Since humans learned to drill wood for fire, lighting tools have undergone countless changes, from torches, animal oil, candles, kerosene lamps to incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, and now to a dazzling array of decorative and energy-saving lamps. It can be said that the history of lighting development is a witness to the history of human development.
Part I: The Six Generations of Illumination
1st Generation: The Sun
Human beings were first based on the sun to formulate the rest, the so-called "sunrise work, sunset and rest." Sunlight is an inexhaustible electromagnetic wave. However, at night, its brightness disappears, prompting intelligent humans to seek artificial alternatives.
2nd Generation: Firelight
Nature sent man tinder. From the acquisition of natural fire to the invention of drilling wood for fire, the history of human lighting began. Humans bundled pine resin or fat onto bark to make the initial torch to defend against wild animals and drive out the darkness.
3rd Generation: Oil Lamp
Burning grease in a container with a wick created the originator of oil lamps, extending human working hours by 2-3 hours. Oil evolved from animal to vegetable, and finally kerosene, while covers evolved from paper to glass.
4th Generation: Gas Lamp
Invented by the British over 100 years ago. Initially unsafe indoors, it was mainly used in streets and shops. After improvements, it provided the necessary conditions for the night market to flourish, such as the famous "night market burning lamp" in 1870s Shanghai.
5th Generation: The Electric Lamp Era
At the end of the 19th century, Edison lit the first truly widely used electric lamp (October 22, 1879), rewriting the history of human lighting.
Incandescent Lamp: The current heats a very thin wire until it emits light.
Fluorescent Lamp: Emits mild light without infrared. It is power-saving and can emit beautiful colored light based on the phosphor chemicals.
6th Generation: LED Lights
LED is a solid-state semiconductor device that converts electrical energy into visible light. It boasts high efficiency, energy saving, and long life. From the first red LED in 1969 to blue in 1993 and white in 1999, LEDs became popular by 2010, occupying 16% of the global market. This is a vital green technology revolution.
Part II: The Evolution of Lamps in China
Qin Dynasty
Lamps casting was luxurious and beautiful, as experienced in ancient buildings like the Epang Palace and imperial tombs.
Han Dynasty
A turning point where ceramic, iron, and stone lamps appeared. The Western Han Dynasty produced the highest achievement: the Changxin Palace Lamp, which featured an environmental protection design of "taking light and hiding smoke".
Song to Yuan Dynasty
Lamps became indispensable decorations in celebrations. Emperors rewarded generals with lamps, and lamps were often built into the walls of tombs.
Tang & Song Paintings
Murals often depicted handmaids holding candlesticks. The middle and late Tang Dynasty saw early energy-saving lamps fired by Qiongyao near Chengdu.
Ming & Qing Dynasties
The most brilliant period. Alongside glass and enamel, silk gauze palace lanterns opened a new world. Later, advanced kerosene lamps from abroad captured Chinese attention.
Modern Era Transition
Electric lights first appeared in the Shanghai concession. By 1903-1904, electric light companies were established in Tianjin and Beijing. In 1921, Hu Xiyuan produced the first domestic incandescent lamp.
Post-1949: The Spring of Development
In 1954, Shanghai produced large chandeliers for the "Sino-Soviet Friendship Building," marking a historic step. From 1949 to 1965, the industry grew exponentially, popularizing electric lighting in cities.
By the 1990s, consumer demand for energy-saving, safe, and high-quality products led to the creation of domestic lighting brands that still dominate the market today.
The emergence of lighting fixtures meant that the night and human beings became good friends, marking a great feat in the history of human development. Fire ended the era of "drinking blood"; the evolution of lighting continues to illuminate the direction of human progress.
