The smallest lamp in Wang Fuhe's collection. [Photo by Yuan Chen for China Daily]

Wang said energy-saving lamps were made during the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD), an invention that coincided with the "green concept" of the moment. "I get great pleasure learning about history and people's lives from a collection."

Who will Wang pass the great treasure of antique lamps to?

"My house is only a temporary stay for the lamps, not their final destination, " he said, without hesitation. Though it will be hard to find someone so dedicated as Wang.

"My biggest concern for the time being is to find a safe place for them and let more people know about them and learn more about the culture of light in Hainan."

Many people collect things in a hope that their collections will one day fetch a good price. "I will never sell the ancient lamps for whatever reason. I don't care that people will say I am foolish. I am only worried that the culture of Hainan light will be forgotten one day.

"I would like to donate all my collections, especially the South China Sea fishing lamp, the one that I cherish most, to the newly completed South China Sea Museum, which will open soon to the public," said Wang.

If not, he hopes all his ancient lamps can find relevant bodies or people who will care for them. "It is of great satisfaction to me to see that many people can appreciate my collection," said Wang, murmuring that the lamps are the fruits of wisdom of old generations and must not be lost.