Exhibition shows eight marvelous handicrafts of Beijing

A pumpkin shaped porcelain jar showcased at the "The Great Spirit of Craftsman - Eight Marvelous Handicrafts of Beijing" exhibition. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Nevertheless, some practical problems persist.

"Though an exquisite article will fetch a good price, the process of making it consumes both time and energy," Hou says.

"When making a complicated item, we have to stay fully focused for months or even years, leaving no room to do anything else. That is perhaps something that discourages young people from entering the industry."

Wang also points to economic concerns among inheritors.

"Someone who gets distracted by the market can’t be a master," he says. "We’re still looking to find a balance, but education rather than money is the key to let tradition continue."