The Master's Angst

But as bows and arrows disappeared with history, so his family's business declined, grinding to a halt with the "cultural revolution" (1966-76).

　　Yang, driven to restore his family's proud tradition, quit his job of driving taxis in 1998, and re-opened Ju Yuan Hao. At the age of 40, with strict and systematic discipline, he turned to his aging father in his quest to become a master.

　　Yang needed no textbook, no note taking. Instead, he took in every word from his father, Yang Wentong, committing it to heart.

　　This was the way most traditional Chinese folk arts and crafts were handed down. But while technical secrets were kept within families, a lack of records has seen many of these crafts face extinction in modern times.

　　During his toughest times, Yang sold just one pair of bow and arrows each year. But gradually, interest in the dying art grew. His studio was featured in newspapers and on TV, and with the exposure came increased demand.

　　With the help of his apprentices, Yang set up a website promoting Ju Yuan Hao. He sees embracing such technological advancements as a step in securing the future.

　　Wu Yuanxin is another master who feels the significance of his traditional craft may be lost on new generations. Wu's sublime textile creations may also earn him the honor of being an inheritor of China's intangible cultural heritage.

　　

Wu Yuanxin's sublime textile creations may earn him a place as an inheritor of China's intangible cultural heritage.