TIANJIN, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- In a studio adorned with antique charm in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Zhang Yu delicately rotated the clay sculpture with his left hand while skillfully carving intricate details with a tool in his right.
Gradually, a "Lucky Star" clay figure took shape in Zhang's hands, 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 fitted the festive and peaceful atmosphere of the Spring Festival," said Zhang, the sixth-generation inheritor of Clay Figure Zhang, a renowned form of intangible cultural heritage in China.
To celebrate the Spring Festival in the Year of the Snake, 59 "Lucky Star" clay figures were released on the fourth day of the Chinese New Year. Many customers had already placed reservations, eager to own a piece of art imbued with good wishes.
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 explained.
"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 Inner Mongolia, as he explored the shop with his children.
The Spring Festival, the social practice of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, was added by UNESCO to its list of intangible cultural heritage in December last year.
Clay Figure Zhang also introduced a series of Chinese New Year-themed sculptures to celebrate the inclusion, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
Zhang noted 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, 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.
"During the Spring Festival holiday, tourists from all over China visit our shop. We hope this store serves as a window to showcase the charm of Tianjin's folk art, culture, and intangible heritage," Zhang said. ■
2024春节档：史上最火，史上最“卷” 羊城晚报记者 李丽 据国家电影局统计数据，2024年春节档总票房80.16亿元，在观影人次、场次和票房3个维度创造影史最高纪录。 过去10年间，看电影逐渐成为中国人过年的新民俗 长三角观察｜揽人、赶工、抢订单：春节拼经济“热辣滚烫” 2月10日是正月初一，上午10点，满载工业品、电子产品和衣帽服饰的新春首列“义新欧”中欧班列从浙江义乌铁路口岸出发，驶往西班牙马德里。 在江苏昆山的华 从广州市区驱车一个多小时，到达依山傍水的从化区。香港赛马会从化马场就坐落在从化流溪河畔的半山腰上，四周树木葱郁，山峰连绵。五年前的2月18日，《粤港澳大湾区发展规划纲要》正式发布，提出加强 新华社兰州2月21日电（记者郁琼源、张晓洁）农业农村部部长唐仁健21日说，要坚持“守底线、增动力、促振兴”协同推进，聚焦增强脱贫地区和脱贫群众内生发展动力，持续加强防止返贫监测帮扶，加快建立农村低收入 国产手机为什么一机难求 手机市场高质量供给不仅能满足不断升级的消费需求，还能激发消费升级意愿，释放新的发展动能。拥有与时俱进的创新力，培育更多新质生产力，国产手机乃至中国制造才能更有竞争力。 近日，多家 我跨境电商占韩海外直购市场近半份额 作者 杨明 凭借“高性价比”和“低物流费”等优势，中国跨境电商企业已占据韩国海外直购市场的近一半份额，本地化服务的提升也是中国企业在韩国快速扩张的重要原因。过去 。本文链接：Across China: Clay figures showcase charm of intangible cultural heritage in Spring Festivalhttp://www.sushuapos.com/show-5-44388-0.html
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