Dream weavers' misty mountain retreat

Break with tradition

The changes young visitors have brought to Hu's workshop are immediately apparent. Many of their designs have little in common with the traditional subjects he usually carves.

"Look at this design," he said, pointing to a drawing on the wall. "It's half Nuo mask and half Buddha face. Young people like this sort of thing. I don't really understand it."

Hu was introduced to the craft of mask carving by older relatives when he was 11. He has been carving for more than four decades, specializing in masks for Dixi Opera.

Dixi, a form of folk theater that originated in the Anshun area during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is closely tied to the region's military history. Its performances typically recount stories of heroes defending their homeland.

In the past, the subjects Hu carved most often were figures such as Guan Yu and Xue Rengui, both celebrated military heroes.

Traditionally, the Dixi masks were made mainly for performances and rituals. Practical considerations took precedence, resulting in relatively flat features and restrained decoration. Hu built on these traditional designs, adding details such as ears and dragon motifs to give the masks greater depth and more elaborate decorations.

He also accepted custom orders for masks, carving designs based on drawings supplied by customers.

As an instructor, he has witnessed the imaginative side of his young students, with their mask designs including video game characters and mythical beasts.

During peak periods, such as the summer holidays, more than 70 students can pass through the workshop. His two sons pitch in as assistants, and the room is filled with the clatter of hammers and chisels at work.