The life of clay: Shaping and reshaping Wuxi industry

The Life of Clay, an exhibition of Huishan Clay Sculpture, showcases various clay sculptures from Huishan, Wuxi, Jiangsu province, from June 6 to 16.

Shen Dashou, director of Wuxi Huishan Clay Figurines Factory, spoke with China Daily website about the stories of the Huishan clay figurines. He said documents reveal that the Huishan clay figurines have more than 600 years of history.

During the development of Huishan clay figurine, it has experienced many difficulties. "As Huishan clay figurines have always been on the market, they have faced constant difficulties in the industry," said Shen. But they always found ways to overcome the problems and went through the severe tests of time.

Since the foundation of the People's Republic of China, the government has offered help to the Wuxi Huishan Clay Figurines Factory, such as implementing policies to help inherit and promote the craft and providing funds to complete some projects.

In terms of future development of Huishan clay figurines, he said he hopes more talents can join their teams to safeguard and promote the craft. "We need to have confidence in the future of this craft," Shen said.