Using simple materials, maohou is very expressive, especially of the lost folk arts such as playing musical instruments and old games.

Yan hopes his miniature monkeys will help pass on some of China's oldest arts. Yan's maohou has won critical acclaim at home and abroad, but Yan remains his old self. He wants to be himself when honors come, and he respects others' suggestions or criticism.

The artist and researcher does not think it is time for him to hold any exhibitions abroad.

"One should neither hold a maohou exhibition for sale, nor put maohou in flea markets. This would definitely debase the value of Chinese culture," he said.

"It is never over-demanding to be precise with our culture."

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