Ancient huamo art of bread figures lives on in Shandong

At the home of Su Sanmei, a master huamo bread maker – located in the Dongming county of Heze city in East China's Shandong province – there is an awesome display of decorated pastry characters, animals and plants she has all crafted from the dough of the bread.

A true to life flower-shaped work created from steamed pastry by Su Sanmei. [Photo by Xue Bo for chinadaily.com.cn]

The huamo, or the flower-shaped steam bun, has a history spanning over a thousand years. Evolving with the times, it has transformed into both edible delights and visually stunning pieces of art.

Creating these steam bun figures involves meticulous techniques like pinching, pulling, picking, pressing and rubbing. Su Sanmei, uses tools like scissors, combs, spoons and even hard cardboard, to bring these creations to life.

The steaming process is equally crucial, requiring precise control of heat to avoid any cracking or deformation.

Adding the final touch of color, each piece becomes a sublime culinary masterpiece. The entire process not only demands patience but also showcases the artisan's creativity and keen observational skills.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, huamo hold special significance as a representation of the people's hopes for a better life. In today's context, these steam buns are not only reserved for special occasions – like festivals, weddings, funerals and ceremonies – but are also becoming increasingly popular as decorative items.

As a key figure in preserving the art of huamo making, Su Sanmei expresses her commitment to innovation.

Through online learning platforms, she aims to create even more enchanting and endearing shapes, bringing further attention and appreciation to this very special craft in the local community. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)