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. ■
中新经纬1月12日电 深圳市人力资源和社会保障局官方微信11日回应“深圳一公司男高管违法开除男员工”称，涉事公司经综合考虑该管理人员处理纠纷时存在不当言论及其他因素，于2023年2月对其进行降职处理，并于2023年3月 检察题材电影《第二十条》春节档全国热映，艺术地诠释了“法不能向不法让步”的司法理念，受到社会各界的广泛关注。最高检微信公众号即日起开设“你评我说·检察官看《第二十条》”专栏，邀请检察人员 春节前后是定亲结婚的高峰期，今年春节前夕，最高人民法院发布的“彩礼新规”正式施行。近日，多地适用新规对彩礼官司作出判决或调解。“彩礼新规”正式施行2月1日，最高法发布的《关于审理涉彩礼纠纷案件适 2023年能源投资保持快速增长(新数据 新看点) 新能源完成投资额同比增长超34% 本报北京2月22日电 (记者丁怡婷)记者近日从国家能源局获悉：2023年，我国能源投资保持快速增长，据监测，全国在建和年内拟开工能源重点 印度等不及了！当地制药商开始仿制“减肥神药” 财联社2月22日讯(编辑 夏军雄)为了从新型减肥药市场分一杯羹，印度制药商已经开始开发他们自己版本的“减肥神药”。 作为新一代减肥药物，诺和诺德的Wegovy和礼来 中新经纬2月22日电 据高检网22日消息，近日，中国铁路青藏集团有限公司原党委委员、职工董事、副总经理、工会主席贾军(副厅级)涉嫌受贿罪、行贿罪一案，经最高人民检察院指定管辖，由甘肃省庆阳市人民检察院依法向甘肃省 。本文链接：Across China: Clay figures showcase charm of intangible cultural heritage in Spring Festivalhttp://www.sushuapos.com/show-5-44486-0.html
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