Sugar painting is a traditional folk handicraft widely spread among the mountains and rivers of Sichuan. It uses sugar as a material and uses specific techniques to draw various vivid patterns, which can be both ornamental and edible.
1、 Origin and Development
Origin: According to records, sugar painting originated from the “Sugar Prime Minister” of the Ming Dynasty. At that time, during the New Year, people would melt icing sugar and cast various animals and characters as offerings to worship the gods. These characters are portrayed as literary officials and military generals, hence they are jokingly referred to as the “Sugar Prime Minister”. Later, Sichuan folk artists improved their craftsmanship based on this, drawing on the production characteristics and carving techniques of traditional shadow puppetry, gradually developing the skill of directly using small copper spoons to scoop sugar syrup to draw shadow puppetry patterns, forming today’s sugar paintings.
Development: With the passage of time, sugar paintings gradually spread among the people and were deeply loved by people for their unique artistic charm and edible value. Especially in the Chengdu region, sugar painting has become a representative local cultural symbol.
2、 Production process and characteristics
Production tools: The main tools for making sugar paintings include small copper spoons, shovels, and stone slabs. Among them, the small copper spoon is used to scoop sugar syrup, while the shovel is used to assist in drawing and adjusting patterns. The slate is the carrier for sugar painting, which requires smoothness and flatness so that the sugar liquid can flow evenly and solidify quickly.
Production process: The production process of sugar painting includes steps such as boiling sugar, melting sugar, drawing, and sticking labels. Firstly, it is necessary to boil the sugar material to a concentration suitable for drawing; Then, scoop the sugar solution into a small copper spoon and quickly draw a pattern on the slate; Finally, while the sugar solution is not completely solidified, stick a bamboo stick on it and remove it for consumption or viewing after the sugar solution is completely solidified.
Features: Sugar painting uses sugar as ink and spoons as pens to create vivid and colorful patterns. It not only has edible value, but also is a unique form of folk art. The themes of sugar paintings are diverse and extensive, including flowers, birds, fish, insects, birds, animals, theatrical characters, etc. Each work contains the artist’s ingenuity and ingenuity.
3、 Cultural significance and value
Cultural significance: Sugar painting, as one of the representatives of traditional Chinese folk handicrafts, carries rich cultural connotations and historical heritage. It not only showcases the spirit of diligence and wisdom of the Chinese nation, but also reflects people’s yearning and pursuit for a better life. At the same time, sugar painting is also an important part of local culture, which is of great significance for inheriting and promoting local culture.
Value: Sugar paintings not only have ornamental and edible value, but also have high artistic and collectible value. With the development of the times and the improvement of people’s living standards, more and more people are paying attention to and collecting sugar paintings. These works not only showcase the artist’s superb skills and unique creativity, but also become a cultural bond connecting the past and the future.
