Manufacturing technology of Chaozhou lanterns

The process of making lanterns is very complicated. Different kinds of lanterns have different materials and manufacturing techniques. But as far as * * * is concerned, its production process generally includes several links: conception, embryo binding, mounting, decoration and assembly. Chaozhou Lantern is a unique folk traditional art in Chaoshan area, which is mainly composed of lanterns (lanterns that show the story scenes of some historical figures), supplemented by decorations hung during festivals, celebrations and sacrifices. His works can be figures, landscapes, flowers, birds, insects and fish, and even household items. Almost everything in the world can be put into a lamp. Its conception is usually undertaken by the most artistic artists. Its materials come from all aspects of social life, involving all aspects of society, and more importantly, from the accumulation of history and culture. Because it has no drawings and written records, it has been handed down from generation to generation by artists and developed through innovation. There is no fixed format for the specifications and shapes of lanterns, and artists create them according to their own needs. The creative process should not only respect history, but also be innovative, meet the needs of various demand objects and give people beautiful enjoyment. The conception of the work is the key to the whole lantern making process.

This requires designers to have rich knowledge accumulation and superb technology. This refers to a production link of relatively large lanterns or movable light curtains and some lanterns (such as lanterns) that must be composed of multiple parts. Large lanterns are limited by the production site and are easy to carry. When making, artists usually break them into several parts and then move them to the scene for splicing. For example, in the old folk sacrificial activities, some bound gods were thirty or forty feet tall and had to do so. Movable light curtain refers to the light curtain where people, birds and animals can make specific actions to express specific stories. Its joints are all rotatable. Generally, it is also assembled in the later stage of production, which is difficult and involves scientific principles such as bionics and sports mechanics. Lantern is divided into two parts: inside and outside. The outer part is generally made into palace lanterns, covered with tulle, and the inner sleeve is made into a cylinder with figures and flowers and birds painted on it. The top of the cylinder is made into a windmill shape, and a raised small metal sheet is installed at the center of the cylinder, which is supported by a thimble erected in the middle of the bottom of the palace lantern. A lamp is installed at the bottom of the palace lantern, and the rising heat flow is generated by the thermodynamic principle to drive the windmill to rotate.

The process of making lanterns is very complicated and involves many scientific principles. It will be a very meaningful thing to study and inherit it. At present, there are only a few Chaozhou Lantern artists left. Due to the influence of the ten-year Cultural Revolution, their descendants are few and their inheritance is limited, and they are facing the possibility of being lost. I hope the relevant departments will pay attention to it and keep it precious for the treasure house of arts and crafts in our city. If it can be carried forward, that's a good thing.