Feng Lejun, an 87-year-old retired professor from Renmin University of China, has found a new passion in his golden years: creating traditional wooden toys based on the ancient "Luban mortise and tenon" technique. His home is filled with intricate wooden animals, each one a testament to his dedication and creativity. From lions to buffalos, these toys are not just playthings—they're pieces of cultural heritage that he's determined to preserve.
His wife, who is always the first to see his work, supports him wholeheartedly. She often says, “I’m his first audience.†That encouragement keeps him going, even as he turns his small balcony into a makeshift workshop, complete with tools like saws, drills, and lathes. The space may be cramped, but it’s filled with the scent of wood shavings and the sound of creation.
Feng Lejun’s journey into this craft began when he was 72, after recalling a childhood memory of making a bamboo lion toy in elementary school. That simple project sparked a lifelong passion. He started by recreating the lion he once made, calling it “Lion No. 1,†and gradually refined his skills. Eventually, he mastered the traditional "Luban animal model" technique, which involves assembling pieces without nails or glue.
He didn’t stop at lions. Over time, he crafted a wide range of animals—cows, pigs, rabbits, and even snakes. To make them more realistic, he even returned to his hometown in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, to consult local farmers. Their insights helped him improve the accuracy of his designs, especially for animals like the buffalo, where details matter.
Feng Lejun believes these toys have both educational and entertainment value. He hopes they can inspire younger generations to appreciate Chinese traditional craftsmanship. Today, he and his two apprentices regularly give lectures at Beijing No. 7 Middle School, introducing students to the beauty of Luban toys.
In 2011, the "Luban Mortise and Tenon Animal Model" was officially recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in Changping District, Beijing, and Feng Lejun was named its representative inheritor. At the recent Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition, he participated as the oldest competitor, showcasing his lifetime work.
For Feng Lejun, this isn't just about preserving a skill—it's about sharing a piece of Chinese history. His retirement life is now full of purpose, and he takes great pride in being a guardian of a unique cultural tradition.
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