The characteristic of He Keshuan's lantern art is to absorb Western sculpture art, use animal shapes as the skeleton structure, and use lead wire to wrap wrinkled paper instead of traditional bamboo slats, so that the skeletal structure of the tied lanterns is accurate, meticulous and exquisite, and the shape is Vivid and expressive in posture.
In terms of material selection, animals that are very popular among the people and are full of spirituality and auspicious symbols are used as the theme of lantern creation. The works contain the connotation of folk stories and embody China's long, rich and mellow cultural heritage.
Extended information:
Shanghai’s modern lanterns have inherited the excellent skills of ancient lanterns. Not only are the materials of lanterns constantly updated, including linen, yarn, silk, glass, etc., but the varieties are also more diverse. There are four categories: tent lanterns, revolving lanterns, palace lanterns, and three-dimensional animal lanterns.
Among them, "He Keming's lanterns", also known as "Shanghai three-dimensional animal lanterns", integrate ornamental, artistic and decorative features and are the most essential part of Shanghai lantern art.
Shanghai lantern art master He Keming, known as the "Jiangnan Lantern King", is the founder of three-dimensional animal lanterns. He has been an artist for more than 80 years, and his "three-dimensional animal lanterns" have become the representative of Shanghai's local lantern art. And with the cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, its influence spread far overseas.