Changshan's ICH item brings New Year blessings to Americans

Huang Xingwei, an inheritor of the sugar figurine making techniques from Quzhou, showcases his delicate crafts in the United States. [Photo/Tide News]

A delegation from Zhejiang province presented a rich tapestry of traditional folk art forms in celebration of the Chinese New Year in the United States from Feb 1 to 13.

Among the highlights was the demonstration of sugar figurine making techniques by Huang Xingwei, an inheritor of Changshan county's intangible cultural heritage in Quzhou, Zhejiang province.

With deft movements involving blowing, pulling, pinching, kneading, and carving, Huang transformed a sticky lump of light yellow maltose into a myriad of intricate sugar figurines. His creations also included the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, flowers, birds, insects, fish, various human figures, and even elaborate representations of ancient architecture.

Huang captivated audiences with six captivating performances at prestigious venues such as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Art Center, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New York, the Consulate General of China in New York, and the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations.

The art of sugar figurine making, a traditional Chinese handicraft, has its origins in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties (1368-1911) and boasts a rich history spanning over 300 years.