Changsha Dough Figurines
An artisan carves the face of a character. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Dough figurine inheritor Chen Jinchen. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Chen Jincheng has emerged as a leading figure in the revival of dough figurines, a traditional Chinese folk art that continues to thrive in Changsha, the capital of Central China's Hunan province.
This art form boasts a long history dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Made from flour and colored in various hues, dough figurines are crafted through pinching, rolling, carving, and modeling to create lifelike representations of people.
As the fifth-generation heir of the Xiao school of dough figurines, Chen specializes in creating works based on characters and scenes from China's Four Great Classical Novels. His piece "Battle of Changsha" is inspired by Romance of the Three Kingdoms and is particularly popular among collectors and enthusiasts.
Chen deepens his historical knowledge by listening to pingshu (traditional Chinese storytelling), bringing his characters to life with vivid accuracy. He has also learned exquisite techniques from seasoned artists, including the delicate craft of creating maidservant figures.
Born into a family of carvers, Chen studied sculpture in university before later delving into urban sculpture and fruit and vegetable carving, laying a solid foundation for his dough figurine work. In 2007, after visiting an exhibition by contemporary master Xiao Zhanxing, he began formally learning the craft.
Dough figurines depict historical stories. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The "Year of the Dragon" dough figurine series. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Dough figurines. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Today, Chen runs two stores in Changsha and regularly teaches at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall. He has built a dedicated following and contributes to the preservation of this cultural treasure.
While deeply rooted in tradition, Chen also embraces contemporary trends. He creates figurines based on popular anime like Ne Zha and One Piece, which resonate well with younger audiences. Through his work, he aims to introduce more people to the beauty of this ancient art form and inspire a new generation of appreciators.
