Dumplings on a Flour-Dusted Board

In northern China whole families fold jiaozi together before Lunar New Year. Their crescent shape is said to look like old silver ingots, so a full plate stands for a good year ahead. A fresh batch sits on a floured board, each one pinched into a neat line of pleats. Folding them is a job for many hands, so it seems right to share the dumpling jigsaw puzzle with friends in a room too.