The Craft: Intricate calligraphy, forged in iron

Using a hammer as a brush and replacing ink with iron, Zheng Shushan, an inheritor of Wushan iron calligraphy, has been engaged in production and research of the traditional craft for more than 30 years. 

Wushan iron calligraphy is a local intangible cultural heritage of Wushan town in East China's Anhui province. Chinese characters are forged by hand, with special techniques that can reproduce the features of handwriting. But it's more three-dimensional than ink calligraphy. 

"Whether as an inheritor of Wuhan iron calligraphy, or as a traditional craftsman, there is an idea deeply rooted in my heart: this craft cannot be lost on my watch," Zheng said.

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