Check out these intricate leaf carvings by a Chinese artist who has proved she is no chicken when mastering difficult techniques. /VCG

Ahead of the Year of the Rooster, Wang Ping has carved the Chinese zodiac animal and other beautiful creatures into dried leaves. /VCG

The technique is similar to that of traditional Chinese papercutting, but even more difficult. /VCG

Wang carefully selected the leaves and had to be very precise when carving the delicate material. /VCG

As an art teacher in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao, Wang loves to teach her students leaf carving. /VCG

The Year of the Rooster begins on January 28. /VCG

Under Chinese astrology, people born in this Year of the Rooster are supposed to be trustworthy, with a strong sense of responsibility. If so, many could grow up with a reliable, steady hand like Wang. /VCG