Chaozhou Shading

Last updated 2026-11-15 — Chaozhou Shading and Lantern Festival lanterns are sister art forms, also known as "silk-clothed figurines." The festive custom of releasing and parading lanterns during the Lantern Festival has long been a cherished tradition in Chinese folk culture. Shading figurines are smaller than traditional lanterns, coming in sizes such as three inches, five inches, seven inches, and twelve inches. Most depict vivid characters from Chaozhou opera stories. They are crafted using floating clay for facial features, woven straw for the body frame, and brightly colored silk, satin, and other thin, soft fabrics for clothing. Thin sheets of gold and silver are cut into various patterns to embellish the designs, resulting in an opulent, lively, and dazzling appearance that strongly enhances the ambiance and setting. These figurines have always been beloved by both locals and international visitors. They are often used as decorative pieces for home displays or given as gifts to family and friends.