Wuxi is located in the southeast of Jiangsu, Province. In 202 B.C., it was set as county and city in 2195. Since the production and sale of Wuxi clay sculptures are centered in the nearby of Huishan, Wuxi, it is also called “Huishan clay sculpture”. Huishan clay sculpture dates back to the Min Dynasty which is recorded in a Chinese book, titled, ACollection of Ancient and Modern Books. Since Qin Dynasty, professional workplaces had emerged. Tens of clay sculptures shops and more than 200 workplaces had opened up along streets and rivers that later formed a famous “Clay sculpture street.” In the early of 1900s, the state of more than 200 shops of Hushan clay sculpture has continued until the present time.
Wuxi clay sculpture can be divided into two categories that are as follows: simple clay sculpture” and “exquisite clay sculpture.” “Simple clay sculpture” is represented by happy and auspicious content including a cat, god of longevity and fishers, in which the shapes are rough, simple and the colors are vivid. They entrust folk desires of praying for auspiciousness and happiness, driving away evils and ample food and clothing. “Exquisite clay sculpture” is clay sculpture shaped by hands. This kind of vivid and colorful sculpture is based on traditional opera figures, mythology, legend and folk customs. Wuxi clay sculpture is strict in clay material from paddy fields one meter below. It is very complex in the traditional techniques that include rubbing, picking, pinching, patting, cutting, dyeing, pressing, pasting, inlaying, knifing, inserting, pushing and assembling. In the colorful sculpture, techniques are highly emphasized in the whole process. Additionally, there is a saying that states, “a colorful sculpture is 30% shape and 70% color.” Wuxi clay sculptures are loved by domestic and worldwide citizens for their unique artistic shape, vivid color and local adaptation of Jiangnan. Among its works, opera figures shaped by hands and A Fu is know all over the world and is regarded as the best oriental folk sculpture.
Over the course of its development, many high-quality works emerged. Many are collected by national museum and specialists and are granted many national awards like “Shanhua” award. Today, Wuxi clay sculpture is facing Intellectual Property infringement, increasing cost of handmade items, brain drain and scarce Hushan clays have placed the need to preserve and protect this art form.
