Lantern Item Number: Edz1091 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Roughly cylindrical paper lantern; slight depression around the centre and raised circular openings at either end. Thin, ecru-coloured paper laid over a crisscrossing, latticework of thin pieces of bamboo.
History Of Use
Lanterns of this type are used on the occasion of a death. After being painted in blue with the appropriate inscription, they are hung outside the house of the deceased. This may still be done in village houses, but is not possible in those parts of contemporary Hong Kong where people live in high-rise housing.
Narrative
This lantern was purchased in a ritual goods shop in Macao.
Iconographic Meaning
The colours white and blue are inauspicious, and the shape of the lantern is a symbol of death and therefore feared.
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
- Name
- Lantern
- Identification Number
- Edz1091
- Type of Item
- lantern
- Material
- paper, bamboo grass and adhesive ?
- Overall
- height 32.0 cm, diameter 19.0 cm
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
- good
- Accession Number
- 0610/0061