Qingdao, China Youth Network, February 5 (Correspondent Qin Xinyue), to explore the charm and artistic journey of Jimo face sculpture. On January 20th, the Cultural Treasures Social Practice Team of the School of Translation and Interpretation of Qufu Normal University carried out a social practice activity in the countryside during the winter vacation on the research of intangible cultural heritage in the hometowns of the team members.
Dough sculpture, commonly known as noodle flower, gift bun and flower cake, is one of the traditional Chinese folk arts originating from Shandong, Shanxi and Beijing. It uses flour as the main ingredient, mixed into different colors, and uses hands and simple tools to create a variety of lifelike images. In the Southern Song Dynasty's "Tokyo Menghualu", there is also a record of the dough kneader: "Made of oil flour molasses is like a smile." At that time, all the noodles were eaten, and they were called "fruit food". And the folk have a legend about the noodle pinching people, according to legend, the Three Kingdoms Kong Ming conquered the Nanban, suddenly encountered a strong wind when crossing the Lu River, the witty Kong Ming immediately worshiped the river god with the appearance of the fabric ** head and the animal ceremony, it is also strange to say that the troops crossed the river safely and successfully pacified the Nanban, so from then on all those who held this industry worshiped Kong Ming as the ancestor.
In Chinese folk, dough sculpture is used as a gift, sacrifice, festivity, decoration of folk festivals such as ceremonies, new years and other folk festivals or symbols, is a very representative local culture accumulated by customs and habits for a long time. After thousands of years of inheritance and operation, it can be said to have a long history and has long been a part of Chinese culture and folk art.
The dough sculpture, also known as the pattern steamed bun, has a long history, dating back to the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, and its production skills are widely spread in Qingdao Jimo District and surrounding districts and cities.
The dough molding production technology is exquisite, the selection of materials is exquisite, the production and shaping are chic, and the steaming temperature is accurate. The subject matter involves a variety of materials such as flowers, fruits, birds, birds, fish, beasts, and objects. The edible taste is pure, the wheat fragrance is full, and the ornamental shape is beautiful, the color is realistic, and the meaning is auspicious. It is not only a traditional noodle dish in northern China, but also a carrier of local folk customs. For 200 years, it has been a gift for marriage, birthday celebrations, celebrations, blessings, birth of children, gifts for relatives and friends, and memorial offerings in Jimo and surrounding areas.
The Qianlong edition of the Qing Dynasty "Jimo County Chronicles and Customs" contains: Shangyuan steamed noodles are made of lamps, and the oil is injected, and it is regarded as the end of the flowers to account for the five grains, and the lamps are said to be flowers. Wang Suzhuang's "Wang Family Genealogy" records and descendants narrate: during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods of the Qing Dynasty, Wang Suzhuang of Jimo had a student Wang Xinwen in the thirteenth generation, and accumulated into a local wealthy household after several generations. In the early years of Jiaqing, the water flooded, the western part of Jimo and Pingdu, Jiaoxian and other places were still seriously affected, a large number of hungry people came to the east to beg, Wang Xinwen and the clansmen made steamed buns to give alms, the steamed buns made were moderately soft and hard, fragrant and slightly sweet.
During the Qing Xianfeng and Tongzhi years, it became popular to make fancy steamed buns as offerings, and the production of fancy steamed buns to give to relatives and friends has gradually become a folk custom in Jimo.
The dough sculpture production technique originated in the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, perfected in the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, and has been passed down from generation to generation in the Jimo area. In addition to the delicate taste and slightly sweetness, the exquisite shape implies auspiciousness, beauty and happiness, which is a unique local characteristic of folk cultural symbols. Nowadays, Jimo dough sculpture has become the intangible cultural heritage of Qingdao City, and has been well protected and inherited. Uncle Hu is over sixty years old and has been learning dough molding skills since he was a child. In his studio, there are a variety of face sculptures, including lifelike figures, animals of various shapes, delicate flowers, and so on. Each piece is like a work of art, and you can't help but be amazed.
The team members asked Master Hu about his experience in learning dough molding. He revealed that he had developed a strong interest in face sculpture since he was a child, and often studied with the old artists in the village. As time went on, his dough sculpting skills became more and more sophisticated. Now, he has become one of the representatives of Jimo face sculpture.
Chef Hu also added that the production process of instant ink dough sculpture is very complex and requires multiple processes. First of all, it is necessary to choose high-quality flour and glutinous rice flour, mix them together according to a certain ratio, and knead them into a dough. Then, divide the dough into small pieces and knead them into various shapes by hand. Next, you need to use knives, scissors, needles and other tools to carve and decorate, and finally color. The whole process requires patience and care, and every detail has to be handled very well.
In addition, he also introduced the artistic characteristics of Jimo dough sculpture to the team members. Jimo face sculpture is known for its vivid shape, bright colors and profound meaning. Each piece has its own unique meaning and symbolism, for example, the fish represents the surplus of each year, the longevity peach represents longevity, and the flower symbolizes beauty and happiness. These allegorical and symbolic meanings not only reflect the profound heritage of traditional Chinese culture, but also express people's yearning and pursuit of a better life.
During the interview, the practice team members also learned that Jimo dough sculpture is not only a folk art, but also a cultural inheritance. Uncle Hu said that he hopes that through the network environment, more people can understand and love Jimo dough sculpture, so that this traditional craft can be inherited and carried forward.
Finally, the members of the Cultural Treasure Social Practice Team of the School of Translation and Interpretation of Qufu Normal University asked Uncle Hu for his advice to young people. He said that learning dough molding requires patience and perseverance, and cannot give up halfway. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to innovation and development, and constantly explore new forms of expression and artistic styles, so that Jimo dough sculpture will radiate new vitality and vitality in the new era.
The art of dough sculpture is not only a craft, but also a way to express emotions and thoughts. Each dough sculpture contains the artist's painstaking efforts and emotions, reflecting their observations and thoughts on life. Through dough sculpting, artists can unleash their imagination and creativity to the extreme, creating unique and artistically appealing works.
In general, this practical experience of dough sculpture art has given the cultural treasure social practice team of the School of Translation and Interpretation of Qufu Normal University a deeper understanding and understanding of Chinese traditional culture, felt the unique charm and profound connotation of dough sculpture art, and also realized the importance of inheriting and carrying forward traditional culture, inheriting and carrying forward this traditional craft, and making it glow with new brilliance in the new era.