The Pipe Stem Elder: Li Chaogang and the Ultimate Pipe Culture

Introduction: The Pipe Stem Elder—Li Chaogang, creates copper-clad pipe stems consisting of three parts: the mouthpiece, the stem, and the head. The mouthpiece is the part that goes into the mouth, the stem connects the head and the mouthpiece, and the head is where the tobacco is placed. The process of making a copper-clad pipe stem is complex, requiring the selection of bamboo shoots close to the root.

After drying, the bamboo is drilled, and then the root is wrapped with copper skin for decoration. Making a small copper-clad pipe stem takes a whole day, while making a larger one takes at least three to four days, or even six to seven days.

According to Chinese electronic cigarette news: 84-year-old Li Chaogang, who lives in Zhaoshui Town, Qianjiang District, Chongqing, is known as the "Pipe Stem Elder." His copper-clad pipe stems made from bamboo shoots are considered a unique craft in the area. Li Chaogang's father was a skilled craftsman during his lifetime. Growing up surrounded by this, Li gradually learned some crafting skills. His connection with copper-clad pipe stems is largely due to his indomitable spirit. Li Chaogang recalls that when he was a teenager, someone showed off a poorly made copper-clad pipe stem in front of him, which motivated him to create a beautiful copper-clad pipe stem to show off. After some effort, he completed a beautiful copper-clad pipe stem in just a few days. Little did he know that this would lead to a journey of over 60 springs and autumns with copper-clad pipe stems.
 
Li Chaogang's copper-clad pipe stems consist of three parts: the mouthpiece, the stem, and the head. The mouthpiece is the part that goes into the mouth, the stem connects the head and the mouthpiece, and the head is where the tobacco is placed. The process of making a copper-clad pipe stem is complex, requiring the selection of bamboo shoots close to the root, drying them, drilling them, and then wrapping the root with copper skin for decoration. Making a small copper-clad pipe stem takes a whole day, while making a larger one takes at least three to four days, or even six to seven days.
 
"During the years of famine, the copper-clad pipe stems I made saved the lives of a family of six," Li Chaogang said. Back then, he took his copper-clad pipe stems and fled with his family to Xianfeng, Hubei. His copper-clad pipe stems caught the attention of some people, and one copper-clad pipe stem could be exchanged for 10 jin of rice. Li Chaogang relied on his craftsmanship to help his family through difficult times.
 
What makes Li Chaogang proud is that his copper-clad pipe stems now have no trouble selling, bringing him over 1,000 yuan in income each month. However, he also worries—fewer and fewer people use copper-clad pipe stems, and will this craft eventually disappear? Li Chaogang has passed on his skills to his youngest son. "I don't expect them to make money from this; I just hope they can carry on this craft," Li Chaogang said.