Huishan Clay Figurine, one of the three most famous special local products, is a traditional crafts of Han nationality in Wuxi, Jiangsu. The craftsmanship was admitted into the first list of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
Local artists in Wuxi use the black mud which is about one meter below the ground at the foot of the northeast slope of Huishan Mountain because the mud is so soft and moldable for shaping.
Huishan Clay Figurine is well formed, streamlined and colorful. Its exquisite craftsmanship and perfect shapes condensed the wisdom and art of the ancient Han people.
There are two main types of the Huishan Clay Figurine products with diverse themes. One is hand-made clay figurine that is beautifully contrived and skillful boutique; another is industrial clay figurine and plaster that is mass produced and cheap.
The representative of Huishan clay figurine is “Da Ah Fu”, which is originated from folk legend among Han people in Wuxi. He is a lovely and healthy child who is deified in the folk as an image of luck and happiness.
In recent years, clay figurine artists have created a new generation of lifelike clay figurines based on the images in real life.
