Comments (0) Best Analog Addition to Your Cell Phone - 2004

Master Ding Zu-Yin

Your cell phone is naked without the artistic embellishments of renowned Chinese master craftsman Ding Zu-Yin, who practices the 4,000-year-old art of microengraving with a couple of twists: His tools are electric powered, his canvases the vital communication devices we carry around. The images in his sample case -- all carved on real cell phones -- range from ornate traditional Chinese dragons, tigers, and the like to a skull over crossed swords (and the rare lapse of taste such as Winnie the Pooh). Ding has won numerous awards and will produce one of these wonders in under five minutes at prices starting at $20. More than just art, his works are good luck charms, too. This could be the fix if your phone keeps cutting out, running up overcharges, or just bringing bad news. You can find the master on the second floor of the Japan Center, in an open area outside the bookstore, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.