Paper Lantern Hanging in the Dye Workshop

A round paper lantern hangs from a blue ring at the top of the frame, its panels in coral, orange, teal, lilac and purple, divided by cream ribs and drawn with leaves and swirling clouds. A rainbow tassel trails at the bottom where two people talk. Inside one lower panel, four people sit around a small fire. Others climb ladders on both sides, polish the surface, kneel on a rib, or work near the top ring. Pink tulips, yellow mushrooms and curling vines grow on its shell. Below it a tiled floor is ringed with wooden rooms and balconies holding drying frames, dye tubs, bundles of reeds and rolled cloth. The coloured panels make the lantern an easy guide for the rest.