Jiang Sheng looks at a Buddha statue in his workshop in Xiamen city, Fujian province. [Photo/IC]

At a time when most young men are obsessed with the business world, Jiang Sheng, a man from the post-1990 generation, is taking a unique pathway. When Jiang was still in college, the sculpture major was once introduced to Yongfu Temple in Hangzhou to repair the hands of a Buddha statue. While he failed to restore the hands, he was deeply affected by life in the temple. He later made up his mind to take a different approach to the traditional craft and make customized Buddha statues.

For Jiang Sheng, the inner peace that comes from making Buddha statues is what he enjoys most and what he always pursues.

The Buddha statues made by Jiang Sheng. [Photo/IC]

Jiang wants more people to pay attention to the art of Buddha statues, which was once confined to the temples. He has innovated the traditional way of making Buddha statues, and fused many elements of modern design into his works. Jiang has also set up his own workshop to provide customized Buddha statues for online and brick-and-mortar shops, and has cooperated with women's clothing brands.

Jiang Sheng works on a Buddha statue. [Photo/IC]

Before packing every Buddha statue, Jiang will examine it very carefully, and wipe the body of the statue with alcohol pads. All of the packaging materials are tailor-made, and special cushioning is used to pack fragile parts such as the neck and hands.

While most customers are not Buddhists, they still enjoy Jiang's Buddha statues as artwork. Now Jiang spends most of his time in his workshop in Xiamen, carving statues in the mountain, accompanied by wood and mud.

Jiang Sheng stands beside a Buddha statue. [Photo/IC]

A staff member in Jiang's workshop works on a Buddha statue. [Photo/IC]

The tools Jiang Sheng uses to make Buddha statues. [Photo/IC]

Jiang Sheng works on a large Buddha statue. [Photo/IC]

A hand on a Buddha statue is covered with cushioning for protection. [Photo/IC]