Three-dimensional decorations built from sculpted polystyrene figures are an essential part of Hong Kong's festivals but are being created by a dwindling number of craftsmen.
And one of the handful remaining says the craft is likely to die unless more people join the industry.
From Santa Claus to snowmen, 62-year-old master Wong Chi-ke can sculpt any character from polystyrene and often puts his vivid creations on display in shopping malls.
But fewer places are using sculpted polystyrene figures because of their high cost and environmental concerns.
'Very few people have taken up a polystyrene sculpture apprenticeship since the 1980s. It is an exhausting job and the pay is not high,' Mr Wong said.
He said he had no idea how many people worked in the industry decades ago but there had been few newcomers in recent years.
'No institutions in Hong Kong teach polystyrene sculpture. In the old days, we used to learn it from masters as an apprentice. It takes at least a decade to master the skills.'
