Sugar-figure blowing is a traditional Chinese folk craft with a long history, primarily popular in northern China.
According to historical records, the art of sugar blowing already appeared on the streets of Beijing in the Ming Dynasty. In old Beijing, artisans often gathered in busy areas like Tianqiao (sky bridge, literally), temple fairs, where their impressive skills attracted crowds of curious onlookers.
The main ingredient used in sugar-figure is maltose, and sometimes, a small amount of honey is added to adjust the sugar's elasticity and flavor.
To start, the sugar cubes are heated to around 60-70℃ until they melt and soften enough for shaping.
The warm maltose syrup is then kneaded into a ball and stretched into a hollow tube. Then the artisan or the customer gently blows into the tube while quickly molding the figure by hand.
Though the process looks simple, it actually requires great skill, especially in heat control and shaping precision.
Traditional sugar-figure blowing often features auspicious motifs such as the Chinese zodiac, birds, flowers, fish, and insects.
Highly skilled artisans can complete a vivid, lifelike figure within just a few minutes.
When teaching children how to blow sugar figurines, master artisan Zhao Hongjun emphasizes, "Push slowly, don't rush" - a reminder that this craft demands both patience and precision.
The sugar-figure blowing technique is typically passed down through master-apprentice relationships or family heritage. As Zhao shared, "It's been passed down in my family. I learned it from my father and have been doing it since I was a child."
This method of oral and hands-on transmission has allowed the craft to survive through generations, but has also brought challenges to it due to a lack of young successors. With modern society's fast pace, fewer young people are willing to devote time to learning this traditional skill. To preserve this traditional art, sugar-figure blowing was included in the fifth batch of intangible cultural heritage items of Beijing's Xicheng District in 2017.
Today, it is preserved and promoted through folk culture exhibitions and heritage showcases. Artisans often create pieces on-site at tourist spots and invite visitors to try them themselves.
This craft is not only artistically unique but also culturally rich. It reflects folk wisdom and daily life, serving as an important vehicle for preserving and passing on Chinese culture.
(Reporter, Camerapeople & Editor: Crystal, Wan Chenge, Sammi; Narrator: Edwin Yip; Translator: Zeng Shiwei; English Editor: Darius)
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