Six large-scale illuminated bamboo lanterns by Hong Kong artist Freeman Lau are currently on view in Civic Center Plaza. Titled Sui Sui Ping An – Peace All Year Round, the installation was organized by the San Francisco Arts Commission, Recreation & Park Department and the Asian Art Museum and sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.

Inspired by the experience of Chinese immigrants who settled on the West Coast, the artist created six bamboo lanterns that take the form of vases of varying shapes. In Chinese, the sound of vase (花瓶 Hua Ping) is the same as safe and peaceful (平安 Ping An).  The sculptures are adorned with vibrant colors and the names of early Chinese migrants who adopted transcription of their names in an effort to assimilate peacefully in their new home.

The sculptures range in height from 16 to 20 feet and are illuminated from within by LED lights. The Asian Art Museum hosts a 6-foot sculpture that echoes the larger installation.