Figuring things out

Yan now has six students learning clay sculpting. The youngest two are middle school students and the eldest is a man in his 50s with a background in traditional Chinese painting. Despite the age differences, they all actively sought him out.

"Clay sculpting is only for those with an innate interest. They must have the willingness to learn and a talent for it. It's difficult to force anyone into learning the art form, but those who have an affinity with it can acquire the skills very smoothly," Yan says.

For his own children, he has not insisted on passing down the art form. But recently, after seeing his young daughter take an interest in the craft, he has been offering her guidance.

He is also often invited to give workshops at local museums, cultural centers and schools, and he attends in the hope of finding more young people who are interested in learning the skill and passing down this traditional cultural art form.