The Intangible cultural heritage exhibition of ‘dough modeling’ aims to increase exposure to Xi’an's traditional culture and to offer a platform for domestic artists and craftsmen to exchange techniques.

“Dough modeling” has a long history in the ancient city of Xi'an. It was born in various areas of Xi’an based on folk activities. “Dough modeling” has widely existed in the lives of people in celebration of childbirths, marriages, birthdays, funerals and sacrificial ceremonies. A relic of traditional folk skills, it owes a heavy debt to them and to folklore.

The Xi'an dough modeling technique is a municipal intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition selected representative inheritors of flour modeling in Xi'an and more than 20 fans across the city. Some of them come from rural areas, some from urban areas and some from universities; the oldest is 76 years old.

The representative inheritors spent a month producing nearly 60 elaborate pieces of dough modeling works with pictures, words and videos to fully explain the meaning, connotation and cultural background of this cultural heritage in Guanzhong area of Shaanxi province.

They also carried out live performances of dough modeling and communicated with the audience.

A Xi’an dough modeling piece called “The Terracotta Warriors”, by Zhang Mian of Lintong diatrict, Xi’an, on display. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A further Xi’an dough modeling work by Zhang Mian called “The Chinese Dragon for wedding ceremony”. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]