Sculpting heritage: Penang couple keeps Chinese dough art alive

Teoh reveals the basic ingredients used to make the dough are a mixture of wheat flour, glutinous flour and water. Photo: Bernama

A keen interest in traditional art and craft prompted Loh Ban Tatt and his wife Elaine Teoh to teach themselves how to knead dough figurines for the Chinese New Year, among other festive occasions.

This unique handmade craft, which depicts legendary cultural figures and animals, is a folk art that originated from China. It has existed for more than 1,500 years, but today, it is largely forgotten, laments Teoh, 53.