the object that i have chosen for the project on semiotics is the chinese lantern:
the chinese lantern holds a remarkable history as well as ties to chinese culture and craft, beginning many hundreds of years ago.
there are several different types of lanterns which originated in different cities in china. from each of these cities a different shape, size, structure, and material were used in construction of the lantern. one example of the cultural tie to these lanterns is in the use of communication, or a type of signage, to where one may hang a red lantern to denote a birth or a marriage--a blue lantern to represent illness--or a white lantern to signify death. another more well known attribute of the lantern is its annual lantern festival, which occurs on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, where the first full moon of the year can be seen. Sources say that it is also a festival that began revolving around religious worship.
i believe that an audience for this type of exhibit could range greatly. People such as lantern collectors, artists (craftsmen, painters, calligraphers, textile designers, etc), historians, participants of the lantern festival, and parents and their children would all be likely candidates, as well as the general public. There seem to be a large number of collectors of these lanterns, and an exhibit about their history and construction could aid in their knowledge of the subject, as well as feed their interest in the subject. Artists might enjoy the craft of the lantern, as well as the conceptual base of the more intricate details and stories that they might hold. Historians may be able to get a better understanding of the background, uses, and innovations to the artifacts. Participants of the lantern festival may enjoy to see an exhibit devoted to something that is a tie to them and something that they participate in each year. Just like most other museums, this would be a great opportunity for parents to learn with their children about a special object and craft-that is also visually stimulating.
strong religious, cultural, visual, and fascination feelings can result from this object. the religious and cultural ties to the object in the history, day to day use, and festival are of the most obvious. however, one's fascination and appreciation for the object and its significance may be different from one person to another. a collector's appreciation for uniqueness may differ from a craftsman's appreciation for the strength and durability of the structure--to where one in textiles may appreciate the intricacies of the fabrics or papers used.
this object is not only connected to a hobby but also as a career. people certainly have to make the lantern --- and they traditionally hand make each one --- but people also use them frequently for function and to signify certain events or feelings. people can be introduced to these lanterns in a number of different ways: growing up with them as a part of one's culture, learning about them from an outside source such as school or general talk, seeing them in stores and in photographs, etc.
