The Boneless Embroidery Lantern
The Boneless Embroidery Lantern is one of the varieties of decorative lanterns, with the ones from Xianju being particularly famous. Originating from the Tang Dynasty, the Xianju Boneless Embroidery Lantern combines painting, embroidery, paper-cutting, and architectural art. It features a unique shape, a strong sense of space, rich changes in elevation, and a delicate and vivid structure, making it a masterpiece of traditional female red craftsmanship. In 2000, Xianju County was named 'The Hometown of Chinese Folk Art' by the Ministry of Culture due to the Boneless Embroidery Lantern, and in June 2006, it was listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage protection by the State Council. In May 2018, Xianju lantern works were selected for the global launch of 'One Hundred Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Masters on World Stamps,' and the Xianju lantern works have been exhibited around the world, enjoying a reputation both at home and abroad, and are known as 'China's Number One Lantern'.
During the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, a scholar from Potan Village got lost in the mountains at night and was guided by a fairy with a 'divine lantern.' This lantern was boneless, exquisitely made, small and exquisite, and simple and elegant. After returning home, the scholar meticulously replicated the lantern and hung it at his door, where it was adored and praised by all, and the craft of making lanterns was thus passed down. Later, the fairy transformed into a village woman and married the scholar, accompanying him every night to recite poetry and books. When the scholar became the top scholar, the Boneless Embroidery Lantern was revered by the locals as the 'Top Scholar's Lantern,' and every household hung this lantern at their door. Every year, Xianju would present ten pairs of lanterns to Emperor Li Shimin, symbolizing 'perfection.' The top scholar's wife, Shangu, also passed on the crafting technique to the villagers of Potan Village, and since then, the craft of making this divine lantern has been passed down among the people of Xianju.
The craft of the Xianju lantern is quite complex, with a detailed process that includes 20 steps, many of which require repetition, so they are summarized into thirteen main steps.
(1) Designing (2) Glue preparation (3) Lantern paper making (4) Paper ironing (5) Pattern cutting (6) Binding (7) Flower carving (8) Copying (9) Embroidery (10) Erecting the lantern (11) Making the orchid head (12) Assembly (13) Decoration The needles used are also very particular, with more than a dozen different types available for use. The smallest embroidery needle is only one centimeter long, slightly thicker than a strand of hair, and can float on water, hence called 'water floater.' The patterns created with this needle are especially effective, allowing light to shine through the lantern walls and needle holes, creating a light that is both soft and bright, serving both practical and ornamental purposes. The embroidery process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, with about 50 punctures per square centimeter on each lantern wall, and each lantern requires at least three to four workers, and sometimes even hundreds.
I have been to so many ancient towns, which is the most original ecology of this house. It can even be described as dilapidated. The original fare was actually 30. I really didn't expect it to occupy the free light before 2.28, otherwise I wouldn't think of coming here to play. The parking lot is also very original, all stones, the entrance leads to a country trail, to the end is a small pool, behind the walk to know that it should be the source of the village stream next to the ancient town trail or the role of regulating the water volume of the stream, there is a red revolutionary place outside the entrance of the ancient town, Unfortunately, like many other buildings in the ancient town, the door is locked, and there is no chance to peek inside. As soon as you enter the door, there are small stalls selling local local products. Unfortunately, there are no stall owners. The buildings that are open inside, such as brothels, there are still people living, parked in the moving car, cold clothes, but there are no people, some strange, Overall, half an hour is enough to go shopping, especially in the original ecology, but if it is not free, I am really sorry for the price of 30 yuan.
First read bo (bo), hahahaha, a day of knowledge. The ancient town is very quiet, and the needle-puncture boneless lamp at night is a highlight. It originated from Xianju Yantan, because this was an important shopping mall in southeast Zhejiang during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is rumored that the boneless flower lamp originated from the Tang Dynasty, commonly known as "Tang Lamp".
The town is not big, it is a cobbled path, and it takes less than an hour to walk and take pictures. There is no overdevelopment, and the Aboriginal people have moved almost. Although there are no tickets for appointments, there are not many tourists. The river at the entrance of the town is really good, clear and transparent, very beautiful. It feels good, but there is no need to leave too much time to play. If there is a car, you can go to play after playing Shenxianju, only 8 kilometers between the two.
In addition to the fairy residence, the ancient town of Yantan is also a place that must be punched in. The original ancient town has no commercial flavor. It retains a complete Ming and Qing architecture. Chen's Ancestral Hall, Hu Gongdian, and Heshili have their own characteristics, so that you can feel the prosperity of the local people in the Ming and Qing ~! This stage is not only free, but also the needle-puncture boneless lantern exhibition ~ is very beautiful. In addition, there is now also a Xianju History and Culture Exhibition in Heshili ~ which is equivalent to a Xianju Museum, so that you can better understand the past and present life of Xianju! Naturally, those who really like historical monuments and culture will like the ancient town of Yantan, thinking that they will not lose to any of the five A ancient town attractions! Over-packing and commercialization will lose the original taste of the ancient town!
Come to play on Friday, I don’t know how to enter the ancient town from the commercial street next to it. It’s really hot in all directions [Sob] in summer. It’s so hot. If you don’t have a strong interest in heavy history, it’s still quite a crime to come here. In addition to several attractions in the ancient town, the door is open (all free), Other portals are closed, there is nothing to eat and drink, there is no commercial atmosphere, and it is simple and original. I looked at the appearance of the building along the way. I feel that it is best to have a tour guide to explain it here. I really can't see it.
It was temporarily closed when I went, but I also walked around. Fortunately, I didn't buy tickets, and I didn't have ideals. The shops in large departments were closed, and the commercial street outside was strolled around and bought three ice creams and two bottles of water.