Dough Figures

    The making of dough figures is a traditional folk art steeped in Chinese culture. These figures are fashioned from steamed sticky rice and flour dough, and therefore are also called "rice sculptures." Most dough figures are made into characters from legendary stories or are shaped like beasts, flowers, and birds.

    Nowadays, some dough figures are shaped into cartoon and comic story characters as well. Since they are brightly colored, dough figures are popular among and loved by children. Dough figures were often sold at temple fairs. Today, they are considered as art works to be collected and appreciated rather than items offered at an altar to the dead or deities in temples, as in former times.