In the bustling streets of Tianjin, a centuries-old artistic tradition continues to thrive: Clay Figure Zhang, a revered form of Chinese clay sculpture. This intricate craft, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, transforms humble riverbank clay into vivid human figures that seem to breathe with personality.
Artisans begin by selecting pliable clay, processed through twelve meticulous steps including sun-drying, sieving, and pounding. Using hand-molding techniques and specialized tools like pressing blades, they sculpt lifelike expressions with surgical precision. After natural drying, the figures receive their final magic touch – layers of mineral pigments that maintain their vibrancy for generations.
Today, this art form bridges past and present, attracting global collectors and inspiring contemporary artists. For cultural explorers visiting China, witnessing these sculptures offers a tangible connection to Ming Dynasty craftsmanship, while academics value its preservation of traditional techniques. As China continues celebrating its cultural legacy, Clay Figure Zhang stands testament to the enduring power of human creativity.
