Beauty of cultural heritage: Huishan clay sculptures displayed in National Art Museum
By Wu Yan
["china"]
Huishan clay sculptures, a national cultural heritage, have been showcased at the National Art Museum of China to celebrate the country's 14th Cultural and Natural Heritage Day which falls on Sunday. 
Titled "The Life of Clay," the exhibition displays more than 120 pieces of clay sculptures from Huishan of Wuxi City in east China's Jiangsu Province spanning from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) till now, to present its historical significance and development.
The exhibition aims to stir discussion on the value and prospect of this cultural heritage, said Wu Weishan, the curator.
Wang Nanxian, the national inheritor of the Huishan clay sculpture, introduces her work "Large Afu" at the exhibition in the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, June 6, 2019. /VCG Photo 

Wang Nanxian, the national inheritor of the Huishan clay sculpture, introduces her work "Large Afu" at the exhibition in the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, June 6, 2019. /VCG Photo 

Originating during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and obtaining prosperity in the Qing Dynasty, the Huishan clay sculpture has a history of more than 400 years.
The Huishan clay sculpture has two categories: one depicts characters from myths and legends with a bold and simple shape that is entrusted with people's good wishes, represented by a "Large Afu" (a couple), and another depicts characters from traditional Chinese operas with delicate shape and vivid expressions.
Boasting its complex craft, unique artistic style, distinctive local flavor and rich folk culture, the Huishan clay sculpture is listed as national intangible cultural heritage since 2006.
A visitor takes a photo of a Huishan clay sculpture at the exhibition in the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, June 6, 2019. /VCG Photo

A visitor takes a photo of a Huishan clay sculpture at the exhibition in the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, June 6, 2019. /VCG Photo

In 2018, the Wuxi Huishan Clay Factory, the cradle of the Huishan clay sculpture, donated 134 sets of clay sculptures to the National Art Museum of China, including representative works of famous artists from Huishan. The exhibition is held to recognize the donor's dedication.
During the exhibition, famous artisans are invited to make clay sculptures and give lectures in the museum. The exhibition will end on June 16.
(Cover: A Huishan clay sculpture is exhibited at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, June 6, 2019. /VCG Photo)