SONG WENDUO, 70, has found a special use for mud.

His home is full of his own mud sculptures from the 12 symbolic animals to lucky dragons. Unlike other mud works, Song’s pieces are small. His biggest work, a running horse, is only about 5 centimeters in length.

“Originally, I was just doing it to entertain my grandson, but I started enjoying it and gradually became more skilful,” said Song. His grandson’s kindergarten invites him to teach children how to make mud toys and the community also asks him to teach children during the winter and summer vacations.

Song is not only good at making mud toys but also good at paper cutting, calligraphy and poetry writing. Every Spring Festival, he is busy preparing these art pieces for his friends and relatives. “I enjoy doing these things. It makes all of us happy,” said he.

(Wang Yuanyuan, Yu Hao)