Reviving dough art with precision and passion

"During this process, I felt like a worker on an assembly line, repeatedly performing the precise task of sculpting each feather. But when I see how the feathers become the finest part of my work, it's all worth it," Wang said.

This is why he believes the key to mastering dough modeling lies in passion.

"Crafting can sometimes be tedious. Without a genuine love for dough modeling, I wouldn't push myself to perfect every figurine," Wang admitted. "That passion shows in the details — the pure color of the dough and the intricacy of each feather."

However, passion alone is not enough. For Wang, a true craftsman must also possess sharp observational skills and quick comprehension.

Whenever Wang begins a new piece, he carefully considers every aspect: from selecting which elements to include in the figurine to determining how these elements should be arranged, and deciding which colors would best convey the emotions he wishes to express.

When working on Huakaifugui, for example, crafting the peacocks' heads alone required three attempts.

"Even though people unfamiliar with dough modeling might not notice the differences between the versions, I can't allow any imperfection in my work," he said.

For Wang, truly exceptional artwork has a soul, as craftsmen pour their hearts into their work long before the actual modeling begins — from selecting themes to sketching designs. "These steps are the foundation of a figurine," Wang said. "It's not just about the physical creation; it's about embodying the spirit of the creator."

Looking ahead, Wang plans to continue pursuing dough modeling and hopes to pass on the spirit of craftsmanship to his students and a wider audience.

"Although I spend most of my time in the workshop and sacrifice my leisure time for hobbies, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment," he said. "My goal is to offer people a glimpse into the traditional Chinese aesthetic, while also reviving this intangible cultural heritage."