What a treasure trove of living history - the craftsmanship is truly awesome! Laozi on a bull is wonderful, but you got me with the Zhong Kui piece - as a fellow Yorkshireman, I can almost hear Brian Blessed's booming voice when I look at it.
What a gorgeous tribute to an amazing 'folk' tradition! I love how generational it is, with each generation following the family craft and putting their own individual mark on it. And the photos! Glorious! I hope you got one of the Su Shi's to have in your home, since he is your hero. I would happily read many more articles on Clay Zhang, Paul! I must say although I loved them when I was in Tianjin and bought a few, I probably didn't appreciate the depth of culture they had back then. More Clay Zhang!!!
Thanks Debbie, we were very lucky with our timing. My memory is not good, but I am kind sure the old shop you and I remember didn’t have any of the six-generation stuff, not too many of the older or special pieces. They have really expanded and built their story. You know, I joked to my wife that if we can keep this up for ten years, we can award ourselves with a “Fancy” Clay Zhang. 🙏
That’s truly a perfect day— perfect timing too. That you got to see all the art from all the generations. That’s so sacred that they each honed their expression in clay art— the process to setting/blending it with the cotton also sounds interesting.
Still wrapping my head around how much detail and character are impressed into each figurine! I’m truly glad you got to witness history that close🌹✨
Thank you, we were so lucky with our timing. Clay Zhang has really built their brand image. The old store I remember didn’t have their family story up front or so many of the nicer pieces. 🙏💐
What a treasure trove of living history - the craftsmanship is truly awesome! Laozi on a bull is wonderful, but you got me with the Zhong Kui piece - as a fellow Yorkshireman, I can almost hear Brian Blessed's booming voice when I look at it.
Gordon’s Alive!?! 😂😂 A perfect casting. More Zhong Kui next week, ZhangYu has a personal interest in this character.
What a gorgeous tribute to an amazing 'folk' tradition! I love how generational it is, with each generation following the family craft and putting their own individual mark on it. And the photos! Glorious! I hope you got one of the Su Shi's to have in your home, since he is your hero. I would happily read many more articles on Clay Zhang, Paul! I must say although I loved them when I was in Tianjin and bought a few, I probably didn't appreciate the depth of culture they had back then. More Clay Zhang!!!
Thanks Debbie, we were very lucky with our timing. My memory is not good, but I am kind sure the old shop you and I remember didn’t have any of the six-generation stuff, not too many of the older or special pieces. They have really expanded and built their story. You know, I joked to my wife that if we can keep this up for ten years, we can award ourselves with a “Fancy” Clay Zhang. 🙏
That’s truly a perfect day— perfect timing too. That you got to see all the art from all the generations. That’s so sacred that they each honed their expression in clay art— the process to setting/blending it with the cotton also sounds interesting.
Still wrapping my head around how much detail and character are impressed into each figurine! I’m truly glad you got to witness history that close🌹✨
Thank you, we were so lucky with our timing. Clay Zhang has really built their brand image. The old store I remember didn’t have their family story up front or so many of the nicer pieces. 🙏💐