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Explore Artisans Museums & Galleries Experience Itineraries About
Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation

Jimm Wong

  • Lamp maker
  • Singapore, Singapore
  • Master Artisan
Jimm Wong Lamp maker
Contact
Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Hokkien
Hours:
By appointment only
Phone:
+65 96193842
Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation

Chinese lantern maker

  • • Jimm Wong, a self taught craftsman, began his practice aged 54
  • • He is one of only two Chinese lantern makers left in Singapore
  • • He specialises in making the traditional Fuzhou lanterns

Jimm Wong, a former interior designer, discovered lantern making in 2006. During two years, he travelled to different parts of China, Malaysia and Penang to meet with renowned artisans and learn from them. He has been specialising in the traditional Fuzhou lanterns that are made of bamboo splints and a structure similar to ancient umbrellas. He used to visit temples where lanterns are hung and became interested in the meanings behind the shapes, motifs, materials and scripts, he decided to start practicing the craft in 2008. Mr Wong wishes to pass down his craft to the younger generation by using more modern material, such as aluminium, and quicker techniques, such as 3D printing. Ultimately, his hope is for more Singaporeans to recognise and appreciate the local crafts and traditional artisans to ensure their skills and techniques survive for future generations.

Read the full interview

Works

  • Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
  • Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
  • Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
  • Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
  • Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Photo: Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Immortals lantern (front)

This huge Hokkien lantern comes as a pair, depicting a group of legendary Xian – immortals – in Chinese mythology. This lantern represents four out of eight immortals showing off their powers on the light blue sea or in the yellow air. Two children are hanging a plaque with calligraphy on it.

Height 80 cm
Diameter 47 cm

Photo: Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Immortals lantern (back)

This yellow lantern is the back of the Hokkien lantern. A wide and red Chinese characters “Chen 陳” is calligraphed, which is the surname of the family of the Chen Clan who ordered the lantern. Eventually, it will be hung outside, at the front door of the owner's house.

Height 80 cm
Diameter 47 cm

Photo: Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Immortals lantern (back)

This yellow lantern is the back of the Hokkien lantern. Wide and red Chinese characters “Ying Chuan 潁川” is calligraphed, which is the surname of the family who ordered the lantern. Eventually, it will be hung outside, at the front door of the owner's house.

Height 80 cm
Diameter 47 cm

Photo: Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Immortals lantern (front)

This huge Hokkien Lantern comes in a pair, depicting a group of legendary Xian (immortals) in Chinese mythology. This lantern represents four out of eight immortals showing off their powers. On the top part, there is a plaque held by two children.

Height 80 cm
Diameter 47 cm

Photo: Nicky Loh © Michelangelo Foundation
Immortals lantern – flowers

This long light yellow lantern is painted with red orchids and green leaves, using the batik influenced method – as a tribute to the Indonesian culture – to stain the cloth and seal it with polyurethane finish. A coconut shell has been fixed in the bottom of it.

Height 70 cm
Diameter 43 cm

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