Traditional crafts face an uncertain future in Taiwan. But one father and son duo in Yunlin County insists on preserving their family’s special skill: making paper lanterns the traditional way.

Lin Chung-hsien’s family has been in the paper lantern business for a long time. His generation is the fifth to run the family lantern shop in Beigan, Yunlin County. Lin has been practicing this traditional craft for over 40 years. He demands that everything be done the old-fashioned way, from splitting bamboo strips with a knife, to plastering paper on to the bamboo frames, and finally painting each lantern by hand.

Lin does not use any sketches or plans for his lanterns. He works quickly, too, creating lifelike paintings of dragons in no time.

Now, Lin’s son is learning the art too. This son is adding his own updates to traditional designs, even painting cartoon characters if customers request them. Lin disapproves: he says lanterns must depict sacred characters. Nevertheless, Lin is glad that his son has given up his hairdressing job and has promised to take over the shop, ensuring it passes onto generation number six.