Greeting Universe Album. Twelve leaves (20.5x27.5 cm) on silk, colored. Collection of the Taipei Palace Museum-PDF

This "Joyful Universe" album consists of twelve sections: Peaceful Elephant, Bamboo Horse Ride, Kite Flying, Burning Bamboo, Lantern Festival, Baby Play, Ball Playing with Lanterns, Fish and Crane Double Lanterns, Auspicious Lantern Celebration, Double Lantern Festival, Sheep Play, and Clear Offering. The album depicts the joyful scene of children playing with lanterns in the garden during the Lantern Festival. This is a copy preserved in the Taipei Palace Museum, with no artist's signature, possibly created by painters for the Qing imperial court.

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival, falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, marking the first full moon after the Lunar New Year. Traditionally, our New Year celebrations conclude on this day. The custom of lighting lanterns during the Lantern Festival can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, where it began as a grand torchlight ceremony to worship the "Great One God." This tradition later spread to the 民间, becoming a unique celebration for the Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival as we know it today originated in the Sui Dynasty. By the Tang Dynasty, many festival activities had become detached from their original legends and natural 崇拜, and the ceremonial lanterns of the Lantern Festival evolved into a joyous celebration of admiring flower lanterns. Not only were there dazzling lantern displays, but also vibrant dance performances and various street performances, making it a spectacular event. The Lantern Festival during the Song Dynasty was even livelier, with a wide variety of lantern types and the addition of lantern riddle activities.

The lanterns in this album are exquisite and diverse, featuring not only the familiar handheld lanterns but also hand-held lanterns, pulled lanterns, and colorful ball lanterns that roll around, leaving one amazed. The content of the album reflects people's wishes for a better life and carries auspicious meanings for good fortune, peace, and joyous celebrations.

Peaceful and Prosperous Elephant
The Bamboo Horse March
Kite Flying Scene
Burning Bamboo Scene
Lantern Festival
Baby Play Illustration
Ball Tossing Lantern
Fish and Crane Double Lantern
Jade Lantern Festival
Double Lantern Fair
Sheep Play Picture
Pure Offering Picture