The Jewelry Dragon is a mesmerizing dragon lantern hailing from Yueqing, Zhejiang Province in the Chinese mainland. This unique lantern, inspired by a fishing boat, typically spans 5 meters in length, 3 meters in height, and 2 meters in width. Featuring a majestic dragon head at the front and a graceful tail at the back, the Jewelry Dragon captivates onlookers with its intricate design.
At the heart of the lantern are multi-tiered pavilions adorned with hundreds of lifelike figurines. Thanks to an elaborate gear-driven mechanism, these figurines animate the dragon, bringing it to life in a stunning display of craftsmanship.
Each year, around the time of the Lantern Festival, grand parades showcase the Jewelry Dragon in Yueqing. These vibrant events embody the local people's aspirations for prosperity, harmony, and abundant harvests in the coming year, creating a festive atmosphere that draws crowds from all over.
With a history spanning over 400 years, the Jewelry Dragon stands as a testament to Yueqing's rich tradition of fine craftsmanship. The creation process is a complex blend of woodworking, painting, paper crafting, and lantern making. In recognition of its cultural significance, this remarkable art form was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2014.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
