A Xianju needle-pierced bone-free lantern. [Photo/Tide News]

Xianju county in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, is known for its unique craft of needle-pierced bone-free lanterns, a tradition dating back over 1,400 years to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

Originally introduced from the royal court, the craft later became firmly rooted in Xianju. By the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the lanterns had become a focal part of local festivals, especially during the annual Lantern Festival, with streets routinely lighting up with intricate lantern displays.

What sets Xianju's lanterns apart is their unique design and construction. They have no skeleton and are instead formed by meticulously hand-cut pieces of paper, sewn together with thousands of tiny pinpricks, each of which creates intricate patterns that glow beautifully when lit. The craftsmanship involves over 10 steps, including preparation, carving, pin-stitching, and decoration, each requiring precision and care.

Over the centuries, Xianju's bone-free lanterns have evolved into various classic styles such as lychee, gemstone, flower basket, and chrysanthemum lanterns. These are not only artistic but also hold cultural and folkloric significance, symbolizing Xianju's rich heritage.