A cut above the rest

Cheng Xiaochun, a maker of molds for special paper, is among the few remaining masters of his trade. Sun Ye reports.

Cheng Xiaochun says the secret to his craftsmanship is a modest lifestyle.

He makes sieve-like screens, or molds (zhilian in Chinese), which are crucial for creating traditional Chinese rice paper and other types of paper. It is a family business that Cheng became interested in while still in elementary school. Now 43 years old, Cheng was proclaimed a master at his craft in his mid-20s.