This substantial project requires significant time, materials, and patience. Given its pivotal role in a typical performance, I desired to grant it greater expressive freedom. Hence, I opted to create a fish-shaped lantern capable of mimicking the fluid motion of swimming fish.
Research
I studied the traditional fish lanterns from southern Chinese lantern festivals, tweaking them slightly. Opting for a classic red and green palette, I aimed for better visibility. Though crafting fish lanterns is intricate, I honed my skills through traditional sources and online tutorials. Having successfully made three in high school, my prior experience assured me of success this time around. Unlike in high school, though, this time I made mine movable.
【Video tutorial on how to make fish lanterns for the web】 https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1hV4y1P75T/?share_source=copy_web&vd_source=aa7293d854a97fa85bdb47314a5b6fbe
Production
I started by sketching designs and structural blueprints, figuring out the ideal cane size and estimating the fish lantern’s dimensions. Choosing the fish’s colour and shape was next. For assembly, I divided the lantern into four sections, connecting them with wire hooks to create a swinging motion. This approach is rooted in the principle of energy conservation, akin to how a whip works.
Here are all the materials required for the production.
