| Find Amazing Chinese Clay Figurines When Shopping In Beijing |
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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. Clay figurines were used for different purposes by ancient people. It is generally believed the figurines made in prehistoric times were mainly used for ceremonies. Later in the Han dynasty, clay figurines were used as burial gifts. Nowadays clay figurines are usually used as toys or decorations by people who are attracted by their exquisite designs and vivid 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 Figurine Zhang" is a famous brand of clay figurine with 180 years of history. It started in the late Qing dynasty with a master clay sculptor called Zhang Mingshan. A large number of his works were based on characters from novels and 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. In the Qing dynasty, Huishan figurines were even favored by the emperors. Emperor Qianlong and Empress Dowager Cixi, two of the most prominent figures from that period, liked such figurines and spoke highly of them in public. People like this style of figurines because they have incredibly cute designs. A classic design called "Da A Fu" was so well-liked, it was made the official mascot of China International Tourism Year in 1992. On it, you can see two plump children, a boy and a girl, each holding a small lion. 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. Chinese clay figurines are usually made of clay that is viscous and delicate. Some local styles, like Fengxiang figurines, are only made of clay produced locally. Each style has its own method of production. But generally it is a process of body-making, molding, firing, drying, and polishing. Some figurines are made by machines, but the ones made by hand are generally considered to have the highest 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. More information: Author A. Lao has studied Chinese arts and crafts for years. He now works with a Personal Shopper in Beijing who brings customers to special Chinese stores. Sometimes he personally tailors personal shopping trips.
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