Dough figurine art, commonly known as “dough flowers,” “ritual buns,” or “dough people,” is a traditional Chinese handicraft with a history of over a thousand years. Artisans primarily use flour and glutinous rice flour, mixed with colors to create vibrant dough. Through techniques such as pinching, rolling, and pressing, they shape a variety of lively figures, including people and animals.
In Linyi City’s Linshu County, “post-95” dough figurine artist Xing Lianjie is using his hands to bring new life to this traditional craft. As a representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of dough figurine art in Linshu County, he is helping more and more people become familiar with and appreciate the art form.
Entering Xing Lianjie’s personal studio, the warm winter sun softly filters through the glass windows, illuminating the space. On the workbench, several tools lie quietly arranged, and the colorful dough—red, yellow, blue, white, and green—has a creamy, smooth quality. This simple environment nurtures countless vivid dough figurine masterpieces.
In the display case, dragons, fish, birds, mythical figures, and various miniature landscape works are arranged with care. Notably, the four masters from “Journey to the West”—the monk Tang Seng in his cassock, Sun Wukong wielding his golden staff, Zhu Bajie holding a nine-toothed rake, and Sha Monk with his demon-slaying staff—seem to have stepped out of stories, showcasing the extraordinary charm of traditional craftsmanship.
Sitting at his desk, Xing Lianjie opens several bags of dough, kneading and pinching it as the pliable dough seems to come to life. In less than five minutes, the outline of a small tiger has begun to take shape. He pinches a bit of black dough into tiny pieces, carefully embedding them into the eyes and brows, then uses his tool to create lines on the bridge of the nose. As he completes the details of the limbs, head, and expressions, a charming little dough tiger springs to life in his hands.
To ensure the longevity of the dough figurines, Xing Lianjie has also improved and upgraded traditional materials. “Dough figurines made according to the old formula tend to crack and mold over time,” he explains. Therefore, by integrating modern scientific techniques and persistent exploration, he has developed a new type of dough material that not only resists drying but also overcomes the drawbacks of cracking and mold, making the works easier to preserve for the long term.
Additionally, Xing Lianjie is actively exploring innovative expressions of traditional craftsmanship, combining dough figurine art with modern design to create a series of refreshing works, including miniatures, sand tables, keychain hooks, and craft items. As an inheritor, he hopes to pass down this intangible cultural heritage through innovation. “I will continue to strive to make traditional craftsmanship thrive and reach further,” says Xing Lianjie.
