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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.

In the earliest period, clay figurines were probably used as toys for children, and by others as ceremonial tools. In the Han dynasty, they became a kind of burial object for wealthy people. After Buddhism was introduced to China, they took on an increasingly religious meaning as people started to make clay figures for local temples. Nowadays they are mainly used as decorations by people who are captivated by their unique beauty.

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’s success came from his astute observation of people. His apprentices were also taught to carefully observe people in order to create great work. Now there are a number of artisans who still use his skills to make gorgeous Zhang-style clay figurines for art fans around the world.

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.

Emperor Qianlong and Empress Dowager Cixi, two of the most powerful figures of the Qing dynasty, liked Huishan figurines very much. Such figurines are so popular because they have beautiful designs and cute expressions. “Da A Fu” is a classic example of such figurines, which features two cute, plump children holding two tiny lions. It was used by the government as the official mascot of China International Tourism Year in 1992.

Several other local styles of clay figurines are also liked by art collectors, they include: 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.

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.

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.