Dough-Figurine Master -Chiao-yung Shih
Ah-she Tea House’s most well known drinks are the flour tea and almond tea. Why is the store named Ah-she? Master Shih explained, “Ah-she meant rich people long time ago. Only rich people could afford the almond tea, so it was named Ah-she Tea House.” After his explanation, I finally realized the origin of the store name and why the store only sells traditional drinks.
If you come to Ah-she Tea House in Lukang Old Street, don’t just buy a cup of traditional drink, take a picture, or punch the like button, and leave. A living national treasure, the dough-figurine master Shih resides here. Arriving here, not only will you enjoy sitting on a dragon chair and tasting a delicious drink, but also you will be able to learn about dough-figurine making.
(Figure 1) Master Shih is making a Jadeite Cabbage figurine.(Figure 2) Master Shih is teaching dough-figurine making.
Filial Piety
Master Shih made two dough figurines similar to the Meat-shaped Stone and Jadeite Cabbage of the National Palace Museum. He said, “Learning dough-figurine making is to learn to be a better person or be accepting of filial piety. Human are smart but weak. Our parents work hard to raise us, but do we love them in return? Life was tough in 1950s. Diapers were very expensive back then, so most of diapers were made of the old briefs or boxers. The diapers need to be changed and washed when wet or dirty. Therefore, we need to thank, obey, and honor our parents for their upbringing. Unfortunately, most of people are not grateful today.
One figurine with two uses
In early days, the booths used for displaying dough figurines were called dough boxes. A dough box had three layers; the higher layer displayed the more expensive dough figurines. A dough figurine was called “Gongzai”, and wasn’t considered an artwork but funny food, so it was also called “cake figurine” back then.
Postscript
During the interview, Master Shih humorously discussed the philosophy of life with us as well as telling us the history and stories of dough-figurine making. He even taught us how to make dough figurines. Since this was our first time making dough figurines, he kept on encouraging us and reminding us to do it in a happy mood so that we could create good works. I assume our works represent our hearts!
The interview was too long and took up too much of Master Shih’s time. But before we said sorry, he already apologized for occupying our time, which was very impressive and touching. Master Shih showed us an example of a great man, who is successful and always humble.
The interview was too long and took up too much of Master Shih’s time. But before we said sorry, he already apologized for occupying our time, which was very impressive and touching. Master Shih showed us an example of a great man, who is successful and always humble.
