Tipping the balance in favor of traditional craftsmanship

With modern tools to measure weight widely available these days, craftspeople around the world are struggling to keep handmade steelyards from dying out.

Liu Guangcui, who inherited tools and techniques from her father more than two decades ago, is among the few Chinese makers of steelyards.

On a recent visit to her shop in Hefei city, capital of East China's Anhui province, Liu is seen setting dozens of scale markings on a straight beam made of mahogany. Once the beam is ready, she assembles the hook and sleeves made of copper. The entire process could take her days.