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Buy Great Chinese Clay Figurines When Shopping In Beijing
China has a long history of making clay figurines. Archaeological evidence shows that this art started as far back as 10,000 years ago, when China was still just a country of small, primitive groups. In later times, due to the continuous need to use figurines in their daily life, this art was developed. In the Tang dynasty, it reached its height along with other art forms like poetry and music. When in Beijing, remember to shop for some really beautiful clay figurines in some of the city's fantastic 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.
China has many styles of clay figurines that are famous for their charming characteristics. Among them, "Clay Figurine Zhang" from Tianjin and Huishan figurines from Wuxi are 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.
It is said that his skill was so great, he could create a beautiful, lifelike clay figurine during a conversation based on the person he was talking to. The figurines he made were extraordinary works of art with postures so beautiful, and expressions so vivid, some said they could feel the presence of life when they admire them.
Zhang developed his extraordinary skills by hard work and a willingness to observe different people. Now some artisans who have successfully copied his skills are still creating beautiful, lifelike Zhang-style clay figurines for art lovers.
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.
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.
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.
In the local shops of Beijing, there are beautiful clay figurines made in every local style. But in order to find those with the highest quality and most beautiful designs, you should find a personal shopper to help you get to the right places.
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