Du Chaowu – Inheritor of Folk Dough Modeling Skill in Funing County, Wenshan

Du Chaowu (杜超武), male, Zhuang ethnic group (壮族), born in 1936, is a folk artist specializing in dough modeling (面塑) from No. 57 Tongfu Street (通富街), Lida Town (里达镇), Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州). Locally, he is known as the “万能手” (“All-round Master”) because he is skilled in many crafts. In addition to creating intricately crafted ceremonial altar lamps, which received praise during exhibitions in Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), he is also a master of dough modeling art.

Overview of Dough Modeling Art

In Lida Town (里达镇), Funing County (富宁县), dough modeling is called “Guodiehua” (果叠花). It involves shaping dough into various forms such as flowers, birds, and flying creatures. This art form is typically practiced only during significant occasions like funerals or religious festivals. Although many locals know how to make “Guodiehua” (果叠花), Du Chaowu’s (杜超武) creations are considered the finest in craftsmanship. Besides dough modeling, he is also proficient in making traditional handcrafts such as lions and dragons.

Contribution to Cultural Heritage

Du Chaowu’s (杜超武) mastery in dough modeling is widely recognized locally and has made an important contribution to the preservation and promotion of this intangible cultural heritage.

Methods of Skill Inheritance

Family Transmission

Du Chaowu (杜超武) was born into a family with a strong tradition of handicrafts. Influenced by his elders and relatives involved in similar crafts, he developed a deep interest in dough modeling from an early age and gradually mastered the techniques under their guidance.

Master-Apprentice Transmission

Du Chaowu (杜超武) may have formally apprenticed under dough modeling artists from the local or neighboring areas, systematically learning the art. Through interactions and hands-on practice with his master, he not only learned traditional methods and techniques but also continually refined his skills and accumulated rich experience.

Self-Study and Innovation

Building upon traditional techniques, Du Chaowu (杜超武) continuously engaged in self-study and innovation. By observing, practicing, and thinking, he improved and modernized traditional dough modeling methods, making his creations more delicate, vivid, and infused with a contemporary touch.

Community and Folk Exchange

Du Chaowu (杜超武) actively participates in community and folk cultural exchange activities. Through collaborating and exchanging ideas with other artisans, he broadened his creative perspectives and contributed to the spread and development of dough modeling in the local area.

Inheritance and Teaching

Through taking apprentices and providing instruction, Du Chaowu (杜超武) has passed on dough modeling skills to the next generation. He not only teaches the technical aspects but also emphasizes cultivating apprentices’ creativity and artistic literacy, ensuring the ongoing vitality of the craft.

Through these diverse methods, Du Chaowu (杜超武) has not only preserved traditional dough modeling techniques but also revitalized them with innovation, allowing the art to thrive in modern society.

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