Clay Figure Zhang 泥人張

This particular art form was created in 1836 by Prof. Zhang’s ancestor 張明山, who would shape various characters with clays while watching the play, hence the legend was born.
Prof. Zhang proudly carries on the family tradition, but he also injects some modern elements ( making the figure simpler ) as well as new ideas to the art form ( group figures to tell the whole story, instead of a singular figure.) He feels it is important that his works reflect the new thinking and taste to stay fresh and relevant.

Video, courtesy of Ms. Ren Qian, Academy of Arts and Design at Tsinghua University.