Intangible Yet Whimsical

Nie Xiwei, a colored clay sculptor from Niejiazhuang Village in Weifang, a city in Shandong Province, has been practicing his craft for over six decades. Local colored clay sculpture handicraft, which originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is a part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage (ICH).

Nie began learning to make colored clay sculptures from his father at the age of 10. He found it magical that chunks of mud could be turned into clay tigers and other figures. Nie became enthralled by the craft and sold his works to make money while still in primary school.

After he grew up, the craft