[Video] Striking iron flowers: An art for the brave
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In the 1000-year-old folk art of "Striking Iron Flowers" (打铁花), molten iron is struck with wooden rods to create sparks cascading through the sky like blossoming flowers. With temperatures of molten iron soaring to 1600°C, artisans bear countless scars across their bodies.
"Striking Iron Flowers" emerged as a creative substitute for fireworks, which were too costly for many blacksmiths in the past. Since then, it has evolved into a highly anticipated performance during the Chinese New Year festivities.
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