A painted cloth bat, in red, on the body of a Flower Cannon.

Bats are auspicious creatures that symbolize prosperity and good luck, and are set at the top of the Flower Cannon, just below the central rosette of the Spirit Red. These bats are made of stiffened cloth affixed to a frame and painted in lovely tints of red, pink, green, and orange. They feature wide curving wings and expressive, fully-molded faces. This one from So Ku Wan is a special vivid red color, and is flanked by metallic paper flowers and an old-fashioned painted cloth lantern in the shape of a butterfly.