The Lantern Makers

Oil on Canvas 9 in x 12 in / 23 cm x 30.5 cm

If you visit Japan you will see lanterns hanging outside bars and restaurants, shops and stalls - and used in festivals. The are called chōchin and the traditional chōchin had frames made form split bamboo wound around in circles and were made of paper or silk. They date back a thousand or more years. Here I have pictured two rats completing their latest lanterns in a simple workshop.