A colorful Quanzhou Festive Lantern. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]

Lantern Art (Quanzhou Festive Lantern) is primarily seen in Quanzhou, Fujian province and its surrounding areas. The Quanzhou Festive Lantern originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), flourished during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties, and has continued to this day. It was included in the first batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage items in the traditional arts category.

The crafting techniques of the Quanzhou Festive Lantern are divided into three main categories: color-banded lanterns, paper-cut lanterns, and needle-pierced boneless lanterns.

Quanzhou Festive Lanterns primarily depict landscapes, historical figures, birds and beasts, and pavilions and towers. In terms of structural design, they are categorized into figure lanterns, animal lanterns, and more.

Quanzhou Festive Lanterns boast a long history and distinctive local characteristics, serving as a quintessential example of southern Chinese lantern art. Combining painting, calligraphy, carving, pasting, and silk embellishment, they create a dazzling artistic effect through their myriad shapes, vibrant colors, and radiant illumination.

The craftsmanship techniques behind Quanzhou Festive Lanterns are primarily passed down by master craftsmen to their apprentices and through families. Notable inheritors include Chen Minghua, Li Zhuqin, and Wu Zuzan, among others.