Rolled paper becomes proper art in the hands of a master

Shao Lujie, a 28-year-old craftsman from Jinhua, East China's Zhejiang province, has created multiple works of art for the upcoming 19th Asian Games. His craft is known as quilling — a form of art that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped and glued together to form intricate designs.

Shao has produced more than a dozen works for the Asian Games, featuring the event's three mascots and logo.

"The sales volume of those works, which were authorized by the organizing committee, has been good," Shao said.

Shao's works are sold both online and offline, via the Games' brick-and-mortar store and its e-commerce store on Tmall.

"The monthly sales volume on Tmall is over 1,000 copies. We receive positive comments from our buyers," Shao said.

"My child is not familiar with quilling, but he made the second one faster than the first one!" said one Tmall customer. "It needs patience and he has a sense of achievement after finishing them."

Shao's works mainly feature flowers and other plants. In recent years, Shao has begun to develop cultural and creative products with local characteristics.

"One of my innovations is changing the theme of a wedding celebration from flowers to 'China-chic' and local features," Shao said. "Another innovation is that techniques and equipment have been simplified, making it easier for people to try."

Since Shao was a child, he has loved painting and handicrafts. Having learned quilling in 2016 from a master of the art, Shao has been devoting himself entirely to the craft.

Shao started his career after a two-year apprenticeship when he was 23. He began by imitating the works of his instructors, but before long, he learned how to integrate new methods into his own works.

"During this process, I found that this paper art handicraft can be combined with painting and different design elements. I hope to find breakthroughs in this handicraft," Shao said.