Clay sculptures, a kind of folk craft of sculpturing a variety of figures from clay, is also known as “painted sculpture” and “mud play”. Clay sculpture art is an ancient and common Chinese folk art form in which clay can be used as raw material and kneaded by hand to take form. They are plain in color or multi colored and mainly take the shape of human figures and animals. Such, Beijing Clay Sculpture is known for its simple, unrefined and pleasant style.
Clay sculpture art is a kind of Chinese folk art. The folk artisans use natural or cheap materials but can make small and exquisite artifacts, gaining popularity with common people. Though clay sculptures are not technologically involved, they bring highlights to people’s lives by means of simplicity, direct-vision, authenticity and hands on characteristics. In terms of collection times, clay sculpture collections are very challenging and collections are valued. Each work is made by hand and is unique and is artistically untainted by copies, reproductions or counterfeits etc. Different from, other forms of art such as paintings, paper cuttings and embossment etc., clay sculpture art has a strong visual impact with appreciation from varying angles adding richness and diversity, more closely resembling life. Today, with high technology developing rapidly, reflection upon this art form allows people to return to an original simplicity and clay sculptures allow for a manifestation of fashion and individuality. China attaches great importance to the protection of intangible cultural heritage. On May 20th, 2006, upon the approval of the State Council, clay sculpture was listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage.
