‘琉璃灯’ (liú lí dēng) literally means ‘glazed lantern’ — a decorative lantern traditionally made with colored glass or glazed ceramic, often used in temples, imperial architecture, or festive celebrations. The character 琉 (liú) and 璃 (lí) together form ‘liú lí’, an ancient term for colored glaze or lapis-like translucent material, historically associated with luxury and craftsmanship. 灯 (dēng) simply means ‘lamp’ or ‘lantern’. Together, the word evokes elegance, tradition, and visual beauty.

This term is not used for modern electric lighting but specifically for ornamental, often handcrafted lanterns featuring vibrant blue-green glazes reminiscent of traditional Chinese liuli glasswork. You’ll encounter it in descriptions of historical sites, cultural exhibitions, or literary depictions of ancient streets during festivals like the Lantern Festival. It carries poetic and nostalgic connotations, emphasizing aesthetic value over function.