Lantern Item Number: 573/7 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
An orange fish lantern made with fibre netted around the wire frame painted with white scales. The body (part a) has a red tassel on the belly. The head (part b) has a black eyes outlined with silver.
History Of Use
People in Hong Kong, and probably elsewhere in China, believe that it is very important for children to have lanterns to play with at the Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as new clothes and red packets of money at New Year. Candles are placed inside the lanterns, and the children hold them on rattan sticks. At the time this one was collected (1968-70) they were made of cotton netting, cellophane, or painted paper on wire or rattan frames. They were made in many different forms, from simple round or cylindrical lantern shapes to butterflies, phoenixes, and even tanks. In Kwan Mun Hau Village, Tsuen Wan, families also hung lanterns on rope or wire in front of their homes, where they sat after dark to eat special festival foods, make offerings to the full moon, and enjoy its beauty.
Iconographic Meaning
This lantern represents a fish, which is a symbol of abundance.
Item History
- Made in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, China during 1968
- Collected by Elizabeth L. Johnson between 1968 and 1970
- Owned by Elizabeth L. Johnson and Graham E. Johnson before November 15, 1979
- Received from Elizabeth L. Johnson (Donor) and Graham E. Johnson (Donor) on November 15, 1979
What
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Field Collector
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Previous Owner
- Elizabeth L. Johnson and Graham E. Johnson
- Received from
- Elizabeth L. Johnson (Donor) and Graham E. Johnson (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, China
When
- Creation Date
- during 1968
- Collection Date
- between 1968 and 1970
- Ownership Date
- before November 15, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on November 15, 1979
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0573/0007 a-b