| For Shoppers In Beijing: Exquisite Chinese Clay Figurines |
| Invention Development Advice - Business Identity and Artwork | |||
|
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.
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. He was known for his extraordinary figurine-making skills. It was said he could create clay figurines while he was talking to people. Often before they finished talking, he had already made a figurine that looked exactly like the person he was talking to. The figurines he made were so incredibly vivid and lifelike, people who admired them said they could feel the presence of life. Zhang could achieve this high level in his art because he liked to observe people. Now a number of artisans who copy his skills are still making exquisite Zhang-style clay figurines for people around the world. Huishan figurinesare produced in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. For 400 years, the people living around Huishan Mountain in Wuxi have been creating unique, beautiful clay figurines with strong local characteristics. In its heyday, more than 200 workshops were built in this area to produce figurines for both ordinary people and 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. Other famous local styles of clay figurines include Fengxiang figurine from Shaanxi province, Baigou figurine from Hebei province, Gaomi figurine from Shandong provinces, Junxian figurines and Huaiyang figurines from Henan province, and Beijing figurines. The process of making clay figurines can be long or short, depending on the different styles. But generally there are these steps: body-making, molding, firing, drying, and polishing. The material used to make most Chinese clay figurines is a clay that has a viscous and delicate quality. In recent years some people started to use machines to produce figurines, but the best ones with the most beautiful details are still created by hand. 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. More information: A. Lao has written about Chinese arts and crafts for years. He assists a Personal Shopper in Beijing who brings customers to special Chinese stores. Sometimes he plans personal shopping trips.
|