Cutting-and-pasting craft adds luster to traditional buildings in Fujian

(ECNS) -- With vivid shapes like dragon and phoenix, the cutting-and-pasting (Duijian) craft is widely used in roof decoration in southeast China's Fujian Province.

The process of finishing such a work is quite complex.

Craftsmen need to draw patterns and prefabricate first, and then fix the half finished work on the steel bar of the roof.

Then, put colorful ceramic fragments on the model and fix them with plaster.

All the steps have to be done manually.

As a traditional decoration for roof ridges, the cutting-and-pasting craft is facing with inheritance dilemma because fewer young people are willing to learn it.

Chen Jiantai, a craftsman with rich experience, has been devoted himself to promoting the technique.