The launch ceremony of the Zhang Yu Studio in Tianjin Normal University [Photo/Xinhua]

On Nov 5, the launch ceremony of the Zhang Yu Studio – which is set to help pass on an important and highly esteemed clay figurine artform -- was held in Tianjin Normal University, according to campus officials.

Clay Zhang figurines are a renowned folk art in Tianjin, which were originally created by artist Zhang Mingshan during the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

Founded by the artist in the mid to late 19th century, the work is made of ripe clay and then fired at high temperatures. The figurines vary from palace maids in costume, historic figures, religious figures and modern figures to local customs.

As the sixth generation maker of clay Zhang figurines,  Zhang Yu – who took charge of the family business in 1996, when he was just 18 years old -- said that students would understand Chinese traditional culture fundamentally and build their cultural confidence after taking a course being run at his studio of this intangible cultural heritage.

Clay Zhang figurines -- which are painted sculptures -- are an important part of China’s intangible culture heritage with a long history of 193 years, representing the charm and essence of Chinese traditional culture from the Qing dynasty.

Zhang Yu gave a speech entitled "Art intuition under oriental context" after the ceremony. In it, he gave an insight into how teachers and students can learn more about Chinese literati sculpture and the business philosophy of family inheritance. 

In addition, as a guest teacher of Tianjin Normal University, Zhang Yu has given a series of lectures since 2017, on the inheritance and management of hundred-year clay Zhang figures, the language of Chinese traditional sculptures and comparison between Chinese and western sculpture.

In September this year, Zhang Yu held the Hundred-year Clay Figure Zhang exhibition in Tianjin Normal University.

The new studio will reportedly recruit 20 people to learn the art of making the figurines.

Zhang Yu gave a speech to the sstudents. [Photo/Xinhua]