fuckyeahchinesefashion:

Handmade Chinese lantern (photo by 姽婳陶服, 小希的习字日记, 设计师冬玥, 宋富贵儿, 陳糊涂)

The one made with translucent materials is Chinese Mingjiao Lantern (明角灯 is the general term, others may call them yangjiao羊角灯 lantern/mingwa明瓦灯 lantern) — Hongloumeng/The Dream of the Red Chamber’s Fancy Palace Lantern

A luxury upgrade of traditional lanterns, mentioned in Hongloumeng (《红楼梦》), where nobility used it for aesthetics + subtle lighting.

Mingjiao (明角) means thin, translucent shell panels (often oyster shells, mica, horn, or glass) carved with intricate patterns. Diffused light, less harsh than paper lanterns—perfect for elite interiors. Only wealthy families (like the Jias in the novel) could afford such craftsmanship. Hongloumeng subtly hints at decadence and fleeting wealth, like when Baoyu’s mansion lights these at banquets while their fortunes crumble.