Instead, they take a different turn to preserving the cultural craftsmanship, by specialising in large LED light sculptures that can be rented out or customised for large-scale celebrations, openings, or exhibitions. The lanterns made there are not so much the portable, handheld ones that we know and love. Now what if you took a lantern, and completely transformed it into a life-sized sculpture that could easily tower over any person? This is a specialty of the Malaysia Lantern Art Association, and we recently paid a visit to their warehouse to learn more their craft. Today, you can easily find various animal-shaped plastic lanterns being sold at various shops and market during the festive season such as the Lantern festival, or the Mid-Autumn festival. Lanterns have now come a long way since then. Decorative lanterns often feature Chinese calligraphy, painting, paper cutting designs, and embroidery. The shade of the lantern was crafted using thin, delicate paper or silk, to help augment the candlelight within while protecting it from the wind. Their use eventually spread to be more decorative, used by common folk during festivals and taking on the image of natural elements and mythical creatures.Ĭhinese paper lanterns started off with a simplistic design, using bamboo, wood or rattan as the frame. Lanterns were also used to symbolise status, fertility, and a prosperous future. The first Chinese paper lanterns were introduced in the Eastern Han Dynasty, and were used as lamps and for the worship of Buddha. Whether they’re lining the streets of a Chinatown, or carried around by children during the festive season, Chinese lanterns synonymous with joy, celebration, life, and hope. Its message remains the same: to preserve the light within. Whether they’re used as items of worship or as decoration during the festive season, the Chinese lantern will continue to change shape and evolve.
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