Crafting a world at his fingertips

The dough figurine initially became well-known as a typical folk art found on the streets, which required speedy production. Within three to five minutes, a craftsman could finish a piece of work. The main ingredients used are dough, honey, and salt. "What would normally be considered as food is transformed into a kind of sculpture. It is a crystallization of Chinese wisdom," Lang said.

With their simple and basic materials, quick production, and diminutive size, the dough figurines have been gaining popularity as unique cultural artworks in Beijing for many years. A great number of people have a deep appreciation for these small sculptures, which have a surprisingly long shelf life spanning multiple decades. They can be used as home decorations and as toys for children to play with.

Lang's family has been making dough figurines for three generations. His grandfather, Lang Shao'an, was known as the original creator of Dough Figurine Lang. He transformed dough figurines from a common street toy into a real work of art.