Folk Custom in Wuxi – Clay Figurine of Huishan

Clay Figurine of Huishan is one of China’s cultural heritages and one of the famous folk customs.

Clay Figurine of Huishan was formed in Ming Dynasty, and it has more than 400-year history. For several generation change and refinement, it has formed the unique characteristics. Traditionally it is deeply loved by the mass. It is also crowned as one of three treasures in Wuxi. The famous representative is Da A Fu.

Generally, the clay figurines in Wuxi could be divided into two parts. One is simple style, which is done by model and painted by hand, so it is pure and simple in design and the lines are bold and exaggerative, but it is good for bright colors and appearance. In general, most of the figurines are coming from folk community such as the auspicious festivals or happy events. The exemplified works include: Da A Fu, The old Longevity, and the Fisherman with harvest and so on. It is widely loved by people and children for its loveliness and cheapness. The other is called elaborative style, generally for modeling the figures from operas, dramas, and performances. Most of the figures directly come from Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera. It is the best for preservation and appreciation. It is widely used as gifts. In Nanjing Museum, you can appreciate more masterpieces made by masters of Qing Dynasty.

In Wuxi, the old men generally know that there are many temples, many family memorials and many clay figurines. The clay-figurine industry in Huishan Street was quietly famous and welcome. And the seller of clay figurine is a famous attraction on Huishan Street.