Lantern, Candle
Object number2008.13.1
Datec. 1968
MediumIron; wax
Credit LineGift of Janet Carr
DescriptionCylindrical iron candle lantern; comes to a point at top. Cut holes throughout sides and top. Handle. Two circular plates on body of lantern: front plate embossed with rude rendition of University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning; opens downward, allowing access to a white, half-burnt candle, with wax droppings on inside holder and floor. Back plate embossed with university name and date in an arc around image of candle emitting rays of light in center.Dimensions13.25 x 4.5 in. (33.7 x 11.4 cm)InscriptionsEmbossed on rim of top: "How far that little candle throws his beams".
Back plate embossed with "UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH / 1787" in an arc.
Historical NotesLantern carried by donor Janet Carr on September 27, 1968, during the traditional freshman women's rite of passage at the University of Pittsburgh, known as Lantern Night. Begun in 1920, women carried lighted candles inside Japanese paper lanterns as they assembled together to hear the wisdom of their older female colleagues. In 1941, the paper lanterns were replaced by metal lanterns after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.
Related institution
University of Pittsburgh
Previous owner
Janet Carr
On View
Not on viewCollections
c. 2018
1931-1957