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Festive lanterns

19th century

Guangzhou Museum

Guangzhou Museum
Guangzhou, China

Guangzhou is located on the coast of the South China Sea, with a strong coastal culture. The ancient Yue people had close ties with aquatic animals. In Cantonese, "fish, shrimp, and crab" are often used as metaphors, such as "water fish" (people who are easily deceived) and "big-headed shrimp" (careless). Lanterns of fish, shrimp, crab, clams and other aquatic animals frequently appear in paper paintings for export. Among them, shrimp has joints, which represents a smooth career and rising step by step; crab has eight legs, which means getting rich.

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  • Title: Festive lanterns
  • Date Created: 19th century
  • Type: Rice paper pith painting
Guangzhou Museum

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