The Clay Figure Zhang is a famous folk art in Tianjin. The Clay Figure Zhang
(develop) during the Daoguang Period of the Qing Dynasty (be) the most famous and has a history of 180 years.
The Clay Figure Zhang was created by Zhang Mingshan, folk artist of Tianjin. He had been living his life by (make) clay figures with his father since childhood because of the (poor) of his family. Clever and imaginative, Zhang often observed people from all walks of life in the market and various roles in the theatre, then secretly kneaded（捏制）clay figures in his sleeves. His unique art earned (he) worldwide reputation and household love from the common people who kindly nicknamed him Clay Figure Zhang. The images of Clay Figure Zhang vary from palace maids in costume, historic figures, religious figures, and modern figures local customs. The painted sculptures are not only similar in shape, but also lifelike with their vivid forms. (usual) it is displayed indoors, due to the small size. That is it is also called shelf sculptures.
