Solid career

Making the paintings requires eight complicated procedures, Xu said.

"We need to have a picture first, fire the furnaces, and bend the iron rods into the shapes and add lacquer and color," he said.

"Works like the crane I can swiftly create because I have done it so many times."

But for tailor-made products, it usually takes more time and energy."There are no two identical iron paintings in the world," he said. "Every painting is unique."

Xu said that the majority of iron paintings are not adorned with colors these days because "the black color perfectly represents the styles of Chinese calligraphy and brush paintings."

The intricacies involved in the craft have scared away many young people from learning the craftsmanship.

"You need to have a deep understanding of iron paintings and work really hard," he said.

In 2017, the Wuhu government issued a regulation to protect iron painting. It encouraged colleges and vocational schools in the city to set up courses to produce artists in the field.

Xu said he is working with universities to increase the art's influence among young people.

"I often invite students to come over to visit, and we communicate," Xu said."I want them to appreciate the essence of the art."

XINHUA