At a time when mass production around the world is omnipresent, handmade objects become precious. A folk artist, in the city of Shantou, Guangdong Province, wouldn't have it any other way - he has been selling his own paper lanterns for years, and his production method is championed by his market.

Traditional paper lanterns lights up festival

A large paper lantern has been put up at Lin Jinghua's home. At 1.8 meters high, it catches your eye through its size first, but then by its beautiful design. A golden colored sheep is seen standing on a pedestal made with eight layers of lotus flowers. The petals of the flower look alive because they're made of wrinkled and dyed paper. The main lantern is accompanied by four small blooming lotus lanterns and four budding lotus lanterns. Lin has made other sheep-shaped lanterns - their firey color symbolize a prosperous year ahead.

I've made dozens of sheep-shaped lanterns this year. They sell very well," Lin said.

Making a sheep-shaped lantern is quite simple in theory. Use bamboo wood to make the structure, then paste on some white paper before dying it and paste some shredded paper onto that.

Traditional paper lanterns lights up festival

But Lin pays much attention to every fine detail, and that's why his creations remain so popular in the neighborhood. He began to make the lanterns five months ago, but his supply still can't outweigh the incredible demand.

"I buy his lantern every year. His lanterns are very good. Colorful and exquisite. With a beautiful lantern in hand, I feel proud and excited to enter the parade during the night of the lantern festival," said buyer Mr. Zhang.

Handmade lanterns used to be such an integral part of the Lantern Festival holiday, but with this period being his busiest of the year, Lin is managing to keep the tradition alive and well.

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