Laoting clay sculpture experiences a revival

Family tradition

Dong Zhuangzhuang, 31, was born into a family of craftsmen in Laoting. From his grandfather's generation, the Dongs have been renowned clay artists.

Dong has been influenced by his family since he was a child, and it is not surprising that as an adult he has continued the tradition. However, after graduating from the sculpture department of the Langfang Teachers College in 2008, Dong spent some years working in other regions, without a clear life plan.

Eventually, he chose to return to his hometown and open a clay figurine workshop.

Laoting is known as the "Home of Chinese Folk Opera", and its drum operas and shadow play are also listed as State-level intangible cultural heritage.

In Dong's mind, Laoting clay figurines are just as important as drum operas and shadow play, because they have been loved by the people for many years. He said that he cannot bear to see this tradition lost.

"All I know is that I do not want to let this local tradition disappear. I want to pass it on to let more people know about this distinctive cultural feature from Laoting," he said.

Dong is so obsessed with his work that he often eats in his workshop, and sometimes even continues working past midnight. He also has a furniture store but, as he is busy with his art, the store and the care of his son are left to his wife.

Dong's mother, Song Jingyan, was one of his early mentors. She supported his decision to focus on clay sculpture rather than the furniture business.

Dong's wife, Zhang Yunqing, admitted she initially questioned her husband's choice. "For a long time after our wedding we could not agree about the future of our family and our lives."

She said her husband often told her that he had a mission to pass on the skills of clay sculpture to the next generation, and demanded that their son, now 5, should follow suit.

Although clay figurines are not profitable enough to feed their family, she eventually agreed to support her husband.

Dong's skills have improved substantially. He has attended various exhibitions, and some of his works are now part of a collection at Dhaka University in Bangladesh. Currently, he is planning a trip to Japan to research Japanese methods of clay sculpture, with the aim of raising the level of craftsmanship in Laoting.