Clay Sculpture (Fengxiang Clay Figurines)

Fengxiang clay sculpture is a folk painted-clay art of the Fengxiang area, locally known as nihuo; lying in the western Guanzhong plain, Fengxiang has yielded clay tomb figurines from ancient graves, attesting to a deep craft lineage.

Made from local clay through shaping, drying, whitewashing, and painting, it falls into three main types, clay toys, hanging plaques, and standing figures, often depicting the zodiac, tiger heads, opera masks, and legendary characters in bright color and exaggerated line.

With earthy, lively forms and bold, festive color, Fengxiang clay sculpture expresses the folk aesthetics and blessing customs of Guanzhong and ranks among China's representative folk clay arts; it entered the first national intangible-heritage list in 2006.

Centered on Liuying village in Fengxiang near Baoji, its works appear widely in Shaanxi's heritage fairs and creative goods, making it one of the most recognizable folk arts of Guanzhong.