Dayang Fish Lanterns

Dayang Fish Lanterns

　　　　Dayang fish lanterns are a distinctive water-town handicraft, an important branch of the Foshan Autumn Parade. They flourished during the Qing Dynasty but declined after the War of Resistance Against Japan. The lanterns are first crafted from bamboo strips into a fish-shaped frame, then covered with fine gauze and painted with scales and fins. Skilled artisans create incredibly lifelike designs—when lit, the lanterns glow brilliantly through and through, displaying vivid colors and a strikingly realistic appearance. The lanterns range from six to seven feet to over ten feet in length and are supported by poles during parades. Larger lanterns require two additional people to help hold their heads and tails. (Shunde)