Hu Jinjia adds a finishing touch to a fully furnished paper house. Photo: IC

Burning offerings for the deceased is a common tradition among many Chinese to show respect for departed family members and friends.

These people believe that their loved ones live on in another world, not defined as heaven or hell, but rather a world with similar material needs. The living send the offerings - things like money and everything material - by burning paper miniatures of the subjects, including houses, cars and even human-shaped effigies of beautiful women.

While this tradition is now mainly kept in rural areas, some enterprising young people have attempted to cash in by reviving the tradition, but with a touch of fashion and innovation.

It occurred to Hu Jinjia that the traditional, crude folded paper offerings couldn't accommodate the demands of modern Chinese, especially those living in cities.

A former top competitor in a reality TV singing show, Hu finally found his calling -designing these miniature paper products.

Paper-made luxury handbags, iPhones and foreign landmark buildings are among the products designed and handmade by Hu, who runs a studio in Shanghai.

Exquisite styles, expensive materials and original designs made Hu's products stand out in the market.

The signature products made by Hu include those specifically designed for children, including the extravagant "theme park" with various miniature amusement facilities and a beautiful yellow and pink merry-go-round.

Before delivering every order, he wraps the product with care like a gift.

Hu views his job as a form of care for the families of the deceased.

"It can console people whose families have gone out of this world," Hu said. "By burning these offerings, families can wish their relatives to have better lives in the next life, which also provides comfort in this world."

Global Times

Hu cuts out a car from paper to be made into a miniature. Photo: IC

 

Products made by Hu. Photo: IC

 

Hu displays a paper-made merry-go-round which is movable like a real one. Photo: IC

 

Hu inspects the collection of fashion pieces made of paper. Photo: IC