Huishan clay figurines made in Wuxi in Jiangsu Province are one of the famous folk arts in China for its succinct design, bright color and vivid image.
It is said that Huishan clay figurines have a history of over 1,000 years, originating in the Northern and Southern Dynasties Period (386-581). It reached the peak during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). By the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), a lot of specialized workshops emerged, and the figures usually molded on the opera actors and actresses for Kunqu (Kun opera) were very popular at that time. The little clay figures are not only very cute and colorful, but also full of cultural connotations in them.
In the 1930s, the craft of clay figures absorbed techniques of gesso engraving, and developed a special Huishan school of clay figures. Since the founding of new China, the craft has made great progress with support of the government. In the 1950s, a number of specialized factories and institutions were established one after another.
The black and sticky local soil has been used to make clay figurines, and the process has three steps. There are mainly two types of the figurines, one molded and the other made by hand. The molded clay figures are relatively coarse and good as toys for kids. The hand-made figures are more delicate, creative and vivid, having a variety of characters that are largely based on traditional Chinese operas and the rich Chinese culture.
Huishan clay figures have been exported to more than 60 countries and regions and invited to take part in many cultural exchange activities, marking a great contribution to Sino-foreign cultural exchanges. |
