Endangered species of skill.

For many, the taste of childhood is associated with the mother's cakes, condensed milk, and, of course, sugar cockerels. Bright and sweet, how many children's hearts captured these candies. It turns out that the Chinese also know a lot about delicacies: only they is not just fun, but the real art. Ancient craft of painting sugar is still revered in Sichuan province, where we can see street artists, conjuring over caramel masterpieces.

Art of creating intricate figurines of melted sugar originated in the Ming Dynasty. Then it was a ritual sacrifice, masters drew their inspiration from nature, wildlife, or creating pictures on religious themes.

Initially, to create drawings use a special form, which poured sugar syrup, but later Chinese masters have learned to skillfully apply the image with a small bronze spoon.

"Sugar" painters, first of all, real artists, in the beginning they learn to skillfully draw on paper, and only then move on to experiment with syrup, because it freezes instantly, and the artist is no margin for error.

Each stroke is displayed accurately and precisely. Chinese masters for his paintings using white or brown sugar, picture freezes on a marble slab (which serves as the canvas). By solidifying the sugar composition is fixed wooden stick to separate the candy from the surface of the board.

This caramel souvenir costs about 1 yuan (30tsentov). In memory of tourists can choose vending dragon or phoenix (such figures most often create the master).

Unfortunately, the "sugar" masters in Sichuan is smaller. The Government is concerned that the younger generation is more interested in playing computer games and modern gadgets, forgetting about the traditional crafts. To attract interest in caramel painting, this art form has been included in the list of intangible cultural heritage.