Gong Kehai, a reserved and soft-spoken glassblower nearing the age of wisdom, has been crafting glass art for nearly three decades. Despite his numerous awards and the young artists he has nurtured, Gong remains humble, attributing his success to hard work and a deep connection with glass.

Born in a county in Shandong, Gong's early life was marked by hardship. His mother passed away when he was three, and his father worked in a coal mine in Boshan, where Gong was exposed to the best glass craftsmanship in China.

In the 1990s, after a brief stint in vocational school, Gong found himself working in a glass factory, starting as a "picker" of molten glass, a physically demanding job that laid the foundation for his future in glass art.

Gong's journey to mastery began when he left his picker job to join the prestigious Boshan Fine Art Glass Factory, where he learned the intricacies of glassblowing from Master Zhang Ping.

The art of glassblowing requires an understanding of the "nature" of glass, allowing the artist to shape it into desired forms. Gong's dedication led him to master various techniques, including blowing and hot sculpting, which brought him recognition and respect in the industry.

In 2011, Gong moved to Shanghai, where he collaborated with international artists and created influential works, broadening his perspective on the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern art. His work has been showcased in various exhibitions, and he has been honored with the title of Master of Arts and Crafts in Zibo.

Gong's commitment to preserving and innovating glass art led him to initiate the "Glass Caravan Project," taking glassblowing performances nationwide to engage with young audiences. He also teaches art students and helps graduates with their theses, aiming to pass on his skills to the next generation.

Gong's dream is to see his glass art displayed in world-class galleries and collected by renowned glass museums, a testament to his lifelong dedication to his craft.

His story is a tribute to the unsung heroes of intangible cultural heritage, whose golden era shines as brightly as the glass they create.