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As early as 10,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period, Chinese people started using clay to make figurines. Generations of artists continued to improve through the Tang dynasty, when the need for large numbers of Buddhist clay figures allowed the artists to perfect their craft. Nowadays this ancient art is carried on by some of the best artists in China, who are making exquisite, unique clay figurines for people around the world. When you are shopping in Beijing, buy some great clay figurines for yourself and your friends.

Clay figurines were used for different purposes by ancient people. It is generally believed the figurines made in prehistoric times were mainly used for ceremonies. Later in the Han dynasty, clay figurines were used as burial gifts. Nowadays clay figurines are usually used as toys or decorations by people who are attracted by their exquisite designs and vivid expressions.

A number of local styles of clay figurines have developed in different regions of China. Most of them have hundreds of years of history and demonstrate sophisticated craftsmanship and unique local characteristics. “Clay Figurine Zhang” from Tianjin and Huishan figurines from Wuxi stand out from the rest as the most famous of all.

“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.

Zhang was famous for his great skills. So great, it is said, as soon as he ended a conversation with a person he had already finished making a figurine based on that person. Admiring his works is an unforgettable experience. Some people say the details on his works are so vivid they almost feel as if the figurines were real people.

Zhang could achieve this high level in his art because he liked to observe people. Now a number of artisans who copy his skills are still making exquisite Zhang-style clay figurines for people 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.

In the Qing dynasty, Huishan figurines were even favored by the emperors. Emperor Qianlong and Empress Dowager Cixi, two of the most prominent figures from that period, liked such figurines and spoke highly of them in public. People like this style of figurines because they have incredibly cute designs. A classic design called “Da A Fu” was so well-liked, it was made the official mascot of China International Tourism Year in 1992. On it, you can see two plump children, a boy and a girl, each holding a small lion.

Other famous local styles of clay figurines include Fengxiang figurine from Shaanxi province, Baigou figurine from Hebei province, Gaomi figurine 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.

When shopping in Beijing, you can find exquisite clay figurines made in every local style. But the authentic ones are usually only offered in specialized shops that are not easy to find. To make sure you can find them, it’s best to find a personal shopper.