✅ SOLVED Chinese Lampshade made from Animal Skin? Who? What? When? Where?

[vscience]

Found this very unusual Chinese / Asian -style object today that I think is a twisted lampshade or some kind of ceremonial lantern /ornament. It is super strange because it is made of some kind of natural skin or hide that was stretched over a heavy twisted metal framework and sewn with thread. It is beautifully inlaid with artwork that adds texture which is fascinating because I can't figure out how they did it.
The hide is translucent. The red color appears to have been stained by some kind of staining process.
I'd love your feedback as to what was its purpose, what kind of skin or age. Thx for the help!
Approximate Dimensions: 16"W X 11" H Bulbous shape

 

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[HuntinDog]

What leads you to think it is Chinese?
Are there any markings other than the artwork?

 

[ARC]

Sheesh...

hope you did not buy this from an estate of someone like Hannibal Lector... Or Dhamer,.. or somewhere in the backwoods of Texas from a guy wearing a mask and carrying a chainsaw.

:/

 

[vscience]

No markings what so ever.

 

[vscience]

It looks like Asian designs to me. Might be Japanese, Korean or

 

[DCMatt]

Possibly Pakistani. Research camel skin lamps. They've been making them for a thousand years...

 

[A2coins]

Any one guess polynesian lol

 

[Hillbilly Prince]

Sheesh...

hope you did not buy this from an estate of someone like Hannibal Lector... Or Dhamer,.. or somewhere in the backwoods of Texas from a guy wearing a mask and carrying a chainsaw.

:/

I thought human but didn't want to say so
Actually reminds me of a decoration used in festivals. Like the Hungry Ghosts.

 

[Toecutter]

It puts the lotion on its skin

 

[zachweiss]

It puts the lotion on its skin

.....or else it gets the hose again!