Future 'glitters' for traditional lanterns

Lantern-making tradition goes way back. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Zigong locals loved lighting oil candles to pray for health and prosperity during Lantern Festival, the first full moon of the lunar calendar.

As the handicraft evolved, simple oil candles were replaced with more complicated lantern designs. Craftsmen used bamboo shoots and silk to create lanterns in the shape of shining palaces, fairies and giant dragons.

However, the most significant change took place during the last century. During the planned economy period after New China was founded, the Zigong government called for factories, schools, hospitals and companies to "contribute to the annual lantern shows".

People from different walks of life used materials they were most familiar with and managed to create a range of novel lanterns. Materials like silkworm cocoons, glass medicine bottles, teacups and even flashlight shades were introduced into lantern making.

The unique lanterns in Zigong gradually became distinct from those in other parts of China, and their popularity even expanded to other parts of the world.

These days, making a Zigong lantern can be an elaborate process involving many craftsmen, including art designers, bench workers, mechanics, electricians and paperhanging workers. This complete assembly line can hardly be found in other places in China.

Another important part of the craftsmanship is binding. At a lantern show held earlier this year in Zigong, workers bound plates, spoons, teacups and goblets into lanterns in the shape of chime bells. The lanterns were 30 meters tall and weighed several metric tons.

"Western viewers really love handmade work instead of factory-made stuff," said Liu Cheng, also a vice-president of Lantern Group. "Our company experienced explosive growth thanks to our performance in the European markets."

Liu said lantern shows in overseas markets last year brought more than 200 million yuan in revenue for the company.

Luo Rui, a lantern maker with Haitian Lantern in Zigong, said that with the fast development of China's economy, more people are interested in Chinese culture, and many are intrigued by the traditional lanterns.

At the end of last year, the company entered markets in Eastern Europe for the first time, with lantern shows held in Lithuania, Estonia and Ukraine.

"Many people in Lithuania came to see the 40-meter-long dragon lantern we created," Luo said. "The dragon could 'move' its head, and blew smoke as high as six meters out of its mouth."

The company was even invited to attend the China-Central and Eastern European Countries Economic and Trade Forum.

"Colorful lanterns have lit up the global stage," Luo said. "I believe the future for traditional lanterns will be glittering."

Xinhua