Dec 7, 2024, 11:02 PM
Dec 7, 2024, 11:02 PM

Intangible cultural heritage reveals China's spiritual crisis

Provocative
Highlights
  • Clay Figure Zhang has a history of nearly 200 years, with its origins in the Qing Dynasty.
  • Zhang Yu uses traditional techniques to create lifelike clay sculptures, taking three months to complete complex pieces.
  • The art form has remained relevant due to its adaptability and societal demand, with a broader educational approach to training artisans.
Story

In Beijing, on December 7, 2024, Zhang Yu was highlighted as the sixth-generation inheritor of the renowned Clay Figure Zhang, a significant folk art with roots over 200 years. This traditional craft emerged during the Qing Dynasty's Daoguang period (1644-1911) and was designated as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. The art is known for its lifelike figurines that reflect various themes, emphasizing the meticulous process and deep cultural significance tied to Chinese identity. Zhang creates intricately detailed clay sculptures using only two tools, a patting tool and a pressing tool. This traditional technique involves a painstaking process that spans three months for complex figures. Preparing the clay, shaping it, and applying multiple layers of color—up to 40 for realistic facial effects—demonstrates the skilled craftsmanship inherent in this art form. This delicate endeavor has captivated audiences, illustrating the vital connection between past traditions and contemporary artistic expressions. The enduring relevance of Clay Figure Zhang is attributed to its adaptability and the growing demand for such cultural expressions in modern society. Zhang Yu noted that maintaining traditional styles is a challenge, as it requires balancing respect for heritage with the evolving tastes and influences in art. Changes in this folk art have not been forced but rather evolved to mirror the zeitgeist throughout different eras. The methods of transmission for this craft have expanded, moving beyond family inheritance to broader educational contexts. Zhang advocates for incorporating both traditional and Western artistic influences in the training of young craftsmen, which enriches their approaches and the overall output of Clay Figure Zhang art. Historically, the craft has internationalized, with earlier works being sold at high prices across Europe and Japan, reflecting the global appeal and cultural resonance of this time-honored art form.

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