Shop For High-Quality, Unique Clay Figurines In Beijing
China is one of the first countries in the world where clay was used to create figurines. Archaeological evidence suggests this art started over 10,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period. Though originally a primitive art form, it developed to a very high level in the Tang dynasty, driven in part by people’s need to build figures for Buddhist temples. When in Beijing, don’t forget to go shopping for some exquisite, cute figurines in the amazing local shops.
No one knows exactly how the clay figurines made in the prehistoric period were used. Some believe they had religious and ceremonial significance. Han dynasty Chinese mainly used clay figurines for burials. After Buddhism was introduced to China, the need for clay figures increased exponentially. Nowadays clay figurines have become a popular decoration for both Chinese and overseas visitors, who are attracted by their beautiful designs and cute expressions.
Most of the major styles of clay figurines have hundreds of years of history. They were developed in different regions of China, and have their own unique characteristics. Among them, “Clay Figurine Zhang” from the city of Tianjin and Huishan figurines from the city of Wuxi are probably the most famous.
“Clay Figruine Zhang”is a famous, time-honored brand of clay figurines. It was started 180 years ago by a master clay artist Zhang Mingshan. He created a number of famous figurines based on characters from classic novels and popular plays.
Zhang was famous for his great skills. So great, it is said, as soon as he ended a conversation with a person he had already finished making a figurine based on that person. Admiring his works is an unforgettable experience. Some people say the details on his works are so vivid they almost feel as if the figurines were real people.
Zhang’s success came from his astute observation of people. His apprentices were also taught to carefully observe people in order to create great work. Now there are a number of artisans who still use his skills to make gorgeous Zhang-style clay figurines for art fans around the world.
Huishan figurines come from Wuxi, Jiangsu province. Huishan is the name of a mountain in Wuxi. For 400 years, people living around this mountain have been making spectacular clay figurines. In its peak period, there were over 200 workshops in this area that produced figurines not only for ordinary people, but also for powerful governments officials and even royal family members.
Emperor Qianlong and Empress Dowager Cixi, two of the most powerful figures of the Qing dynasty, liked Huishan figurines very much. Such figurines are so popular because they have beautiful designs and cute expressions. “Da A Fu” is a classic example of such figurines, which features two cute, plump children holding two tiny lions. It was used by the government as the official mascot of China International Tourism Year in 1992.
Fengxiang figurines from Shaanxi province, Baigou figurines from Hebei province, Gaomi figurines from Shandong provinces, Junxian figurines and Huaiyang figurines from Henan province, and Beijing figurines are also sought by many.
Most of the Chinese clay figurines are made of a kind of rigid, strong clay. The method of production varies from one style to the next, but generally it is a process that consists of body-making, molding, firing, drying, and polishing. Even though there are mass-produced figurines made by machines, the ones made by hands have the best quality.
Beijing has many amazing local shops that have clay figurines made in every style. When you are in Beijing, don’t forget to find a personal shopper to help you get to these shops and buy some cute, gorgeous little characters.