Pyrography work by Zhao Fei. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Zhao Fei, a practitioner of the intangible cultural heritage of Nantong pyrography art, has breathed new life into this age-old handicraft while upholding its traditional essence.

Pyrography, also known as poker work or fire pen art, has a history of over 2,000 years. It involves using a hot poker to create marks on the surface of objects for artistic purposes. The process of pyrography is intricate, testing the artist's painting skills and requiring mastery of the poker's pressure and temperature. Each stroke demands patience and perseverance, as any slight mistake could jeopardize the entire work.

From initial interest to deep passion, Zhao gradually became immersed in pyrography. His creations span various subjects, such as landscapes, flowers, birds, and insects, showcasing rich diversity and lifelike details. Even after over two decades of practice, he still finds solace in his studio after work, lighting a stick of sandalwood incense and silently creating art.

Zhao Fei focuses on his work. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

As the art of pyrography matures, he no longer settles for traditional forms. "Traditional pyrography may seem two-dimensional. I aim to create a three-dimensional effect, making the overall presentation more vivid and realistic," Zhao said. This breakthrough idea stemmed from a visit to a redwood carving exhibition, where he conceived the idea of combining pyrography with shallow relief carving.

Thus, he pioneered the art of pyrography with carving and coloring, integrating various art forms and elevating the quality of pyrography through material selection, carving, lacquering, and coloring. This fusion of tradition and modernity in his new craft has earned him a national invention patent.

For him, pyrography has become more than just a hobby—it has added flavor to his life and now represents a responsibility. He aims to make more people aware of, understand, and appreciate pyrography, ensuring its continuity and further development.