10/03/2026
Incredibly rare set of mint condition, vintage Taiwanese temple style lanterns. Intricately hand painted and folded over a split bamboo rib cage. 2 metal tension rods go down the centre. The numer "81" is stamped in each top collar. The material is a linen or canvas-like cotton, which has a light starch coating. Beautiful and intact stitching. The sticker on the bottom further authenticates these were made in the workshop of Wu Doen-Hou, a legendary master artisan widely considered a Taiwanese "National Treasure"! These would have been produced in around 1988 and exported as celebration lanterns or purchased abroad as a valued home decor pieces! These are an excellent example of authentic, traditional Chinese folk art decor!! The hand-painted motif features a vibrant traditional Chinese imperial dragon with green scales, red flames, and white claws, set against a golden-yellow backdrop. The top border showcases a classical geometric meander or fret pattern (cloud-and-thunder pattern) typical in Chinese decorative art. They stand 22" tall. A pair in this perfect condition is unusual to find! Selling together as a set for $300