Wang Huaimin, a 65-year-old man from Manchu town on Wula Street in northeast China’s Jilin Province, has been fascinated by the art of leather carving since 1976. Through self-learning and continuous research and innovation, Wang was able to create the famous characters in Chinese drama out of a rough piece of leather. /Chinanews Photo

Wang’s first work is the "Monkey King" from the Chinese classical novel Journey to the West, which stands about 50 centimeters tall. He carefully considered on every detail including its design, material selection, carving and coloring. /Chinanews Photo

Another proud work of Wang’s is the legendary heroine “Mu Guiying.” Fifty-eight centimeters tall and 36 centimeters wide, it took him three months to finish. "It's hard to shape the head, as her hair is made of leather, too, and needs to be fixed,” said Wang. /Chinanews Photo

Leather carving is a traditional craft of Manchu culture, whose history can be traced back to 2,000 years ago. Wang hopes to create a series of works with Manchu elements to present and pass on the gradually losing art. /Chinanews Photo