Monkey design by Japanese artist Izumi Hashiguchi Photos: Blog of Izumi Hashiguchi
 

 Fulu Monkey by Lin Shumin Photo: CFP

Taipei residents are accusing the artist behind a lantern that will mark the Year of the Monkey of aping a recent design from Japan.

The 14.2-meter-tall Fulu Monkey was commissioned by the government to take center stage during the city's upcoming 2016 Taipei Lights Festival.

Created by local designer Lin Shumin, the controversial design - a red-faced and smiling monkey on lit-up gourd - cost the city NTD$900,000 ($269,100).

But social media users called the creation the "ugliest lantern in history" after a scale replica of the lantern was unveiled at a recent ceremony, United Daily News reported.

Lin said he was inspired by the Chinese custom of hanging a gourd in the home, which is believed to bring good fortune.

However, netizens pointed out a similarity between the Fulu Monkey and a popular greeting card in Japan.

Izumi Hashiguchi, the artist of the Year of the Monkey card design, expressed support for Lin, adding the resemblance "may be a coincidence."

Lan Shih-tsung, director of the Department of Civil Affairs, said Lin could face up to $134,550 in fines if the accusations are found to be true.