GUANGZHOU -- Luo Minxin and Lu Jijia, a dedicated artisan couple based in South China's Guangdong Province, are passionate about preserving the tradition of crafting traditional palace lanterns. The palace lanterns, once exclusive to imperial courts, have transformed over centuries into beloved lighting and decorative pieces in ordinary households.

Luo, a Cantonese-style palace lantern artist specializing in glass painting, has honed her craft for decades. She witnessed the decline of traditional lantern factories in the 1980s and 1990s due to the popularity of western lighting.
The artistry in glass pane painting showcases evolving themes, transitioning from traditional local motifs like lychee and kapok flowers to incorporating contemporary elements such as anime characters and modern landscapes. Their most intricate design showcases a modern landscape featuring landmarks from 11 cities in the Greater Bay Area, demonstrating the fusion of tradition and modernity.
Luo's husband, Lu Jijia, specializes in the carpentry aspect of lantern making, utilizing materials like redwood, ebony, and rosewood for the lantern frames. However, attracting younger generations to this traditional craft poses a challenge due to the perception of the craft as physically exhausting and messy.
To inspire interest and engagement among young people, the couple conducts workshops at schools and museums, aiming to cultivate appreciation and understanding of their craft. They hope that by kindling public interest, they can inspire a new generation to pursue a career in this traditional craft. Despite the hurdles, they believe there is a market for their skills, particularly with the resurgence of Chinese-style interior designs in recent years.