Lantern Item Number: Edz1092 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Twelve-sided geometric lantern with hanging string at top and a multicoloured fringe and red sting tassel at bottom. Constructed from white gauze stretched on a wire frame with coloured paper pasted to it. Paper is cut into intricate, arabesque-like patterns that fill their respective planes--four sides have paper characters in their centres.
History Of Use
Lanterns of this type are bought for children to play with during the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a lunar festival. There is a device inside to hold a candle, which is lit. The lantern is then tied to a stick for the child to hold. They often catch fire, but that is part of the fun. Families also hang up strings of lanterns outside their homes, creating a festive atmosphere while they sit outdoors eating the special festival foods, making offerings to the full moon, and then admiring it. People believe that it is essential that children have lanterns at the Mid-Autumn Festival and new clothes to wear at the lunar New Year. Although this type of lantern was not uncommon in 1980, when this one was collected, it is almost certain that they are now primarily mass-produced of synthetic materials. This was starting to happen even in 1980.
Iconographic Meaning
The bright colours and light given off by the lantern are auspicious and celebratory.
Narrative
This lantern was purchased in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.
Item History
- Made in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, China during 1979
- Collected by Elizabeth L. Johnson during 1979
- Owned by Elizabeth L. Johnson before March 17, 1980
- Received from Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on March 17, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- Chinese: Hakka
- Field Collector
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Previous Owner
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Received from
- Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, China
When
- Creation Date
- during 1979
- Collection Date
- during 1979
- Ownership Date
- before March 17, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 17, 1980
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0610/0062