Mask craftsmen keep ancient Nuo Opera alive

He added that what should be passed down to future generations is not only the mask-making procedure, but also the craftsmanship that features professional ethics and a meticulous spirit that ensures the constant improvement of the craft over the long term.

Chen first started to learn the craft from his father in his childhood, and has mastered the skills of carving masks for more than 400 figures.

Peng Guolong, an inheritor of the Song Dynasty mask carving school in Xiangdong, is skilled at innovating traditional masks' design.

"I like adding some characteristics or details to the figures' looks to make them more lively," he said.

Chen and Peng pass the skills on to their disciples, some of whom work in Guangdong and Fujian provinces as professional mask carvers.