Dream Lantern is the result of research into curiosity objects of the late eighteenth to mid nineteenth centuries, such as magic lanterns. The four decorative shades are inspired by different elements in the famous life of escaped convict Mary Bryant. The light is completely mobile and can be hung as a pendant or used as a table lantern.

This mobile lantern, with four detachable shades, is modelled on curiosity objects of the late eighteenth to mid nineteenth centuries, such as magic lanterns and optical illusion based toys. Designer Chen Lu has replaced the slides with four ‘discs’, to be connected to the light or used as independent decorative objects. The light is completely mobile — it has no cords — and the application of each shade causes a different pattern and hue of light to be cast.

The ornamental patterns on each disc, designed by Australian graphic design studio U-P, take their inspiration from the life of famous convict escapee Mary Bryant. Bryant’s successful flight from captivity in Australia was considered so heroically successful that she was pardoned, after public outcry ensued over her recapture in Timor.