Sculptor keeps cultural heritage in safe hands

TIANJIN — In a studio adorned with antique charm in Tianjin municipality, Zhang Yu delicately rotated a clay sculpture with his left hand while skillfully carving intricate details with a tool in his right.

Gradually, a "Lucky Star" figure took shape, its face beaming with kindness and joy, while its flowing robes added a sense of movement.

"The Lucky Star held a big gold ingot in his right hand and a ruyi, a symbol of good luck, in his left hand, which means joy and auspiciousness in Chinese culture. It perfectly fits the festive and peaceful atmosphere of Spring Festival," said Zhang, a sixth-generation inheritor of Clay Figure Zhang, a renowned form of intangible cultural heritage in China.

To celebrate Spring Festival in the Year of the Snake, 59 "Lucky Star" clay figures were released on Feb 1, the fourth day of the Chinese New Year.

Clay Figure Zhang is a household name in traditional folk art in China, and such artwork has a history of nearly 200 years. It was listed in 2006 in the first batch of China's national intangible cultural heritage.

The craft's essence lies in its traditional techniques.

"The clay used for the Lucky Star sculptures is stored in a cellar for three years before being sculpted. Completing a single piece takes over three months and involves multiple intricate steps, such as shaping, air-drying, firing, polishing and painting," Zhang said.

"No matter how the themes and styles evolve, we remain committed to excellence in clay sculpture craftsmanship and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage," he added.

On Ancient Culture Street, Tianjin's oldest hub for folk culture and commerce, the red-and-gold signboard of Clay Figure Zhang's shop stands out, drawing visitors inside.

Stepping into the elegant store, customers are greeted by lifelike, vibrantly painted sculptures depicting historical figures, folklore, daily life and mythical legends, all displayed in the shop's windows.

"Each piece is exquisitely crafted and incredibly lifelike — it feels as if the figures' expressions convey real emotions. I hope my children can experience this intangible cultural heritage firsthand and develop a love for China's traditional culture," said Teng Haiming, a visitor from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, as he explored the shop with his children.

Spring Festival, the Chinese celebration of the traditional new year, was added by UNESCO to its list of intangible cultural heritage in December.

Clay Figure Zhang also introduced a series of Chinese New Year-themed sculptures to celebrate the inclusion, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Zhang said that while these new pieces retained the realistic style and vibrant colors of Clay Figure Zhang's legacy, their design and color palettes incorporated contemporary influences.

"We release about five new works each year, continuously integrating modern elements into our clay figures," Zhang said.

Beyond its traditional sculptures, Clay Figure Zhang has also embraced cultural innovation, expanding into creative merchandise. A wide range of products such as desk calendars, refrigerator magnets and stamp books, are displayed in the store.

Among them, a newly launched bookmark stood out.

"The bookmark is sealed with wax, similar to a blind box, adding an element of surprise for customers like drawing a lottery," said Li Dan, deputy general manager of Clay Figure Zhang.

Gao Pengfei, a 24-year-old visitor from Shandong province, chose a Guan Gong clay sculpture bookmark inspired by the historical figure renowned for his loyalty.

"These new products bring intangible cultural heritage closer to younger generations, helping tourists better appreciate Tianjin's unique traditions," he said.

Li emphasized the importance of keeping traditional culture relevant in modern times. "We can't just wait for young people to take an interest in intangible cultural heritage. We must engage with the evolving market," she said.

Xinhua