Zhou Lu engages in crafting a Huishan clay figurine. [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]

Huishan clay figurine is a cultural calling card of Wuxi, Jiangsu province, and its inheritance is inseparable from the insistence of craftsmen.

Since 1998, Zhou Lu, a skilled artisan of Huishan clay figurines, has not only designed numerous vivid and lifelike pieces but also brought the art into the daily lives of local residents.

Traditional Huishan clay figurines from left to right, "A Xi" and "A Fu". [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]

Boasting a rich history of over 400 years, Huishan clay figurines are colorful clay sculptures crafted from black clay in Huishan Ancient Town. The beloved figures of "A Fu" and "A Xi", meaning "good fortune" and "joy", hold an iconic status.

As time passed, the traditional appeal of A Fu and A Xi waned among younger audiences, prompting a call for innovation. In 2020, local craftsmen started exploring new ways to preserve the heritage by infusing festive activities, traditional customs, and crafting with metal materials.

Zhou spearheaded the development of a range of visually pleasing and functional items like medals, table lamps, music boxes, night lights, and humidifiers that encapsulate the essence of Huishan clay figurines.

NANIMOMO coffee shop on Nanchang Street. [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]

While upholding classic imagery, Huishan clay figurine makers also reinterpret recognizable features of the handiworks like round faces, hair buns, and bellybands for a fresh take, giving birth to the stylish new persona known as "NANIMOMO".

The fusion of Huishan clay figurines with coffee introduces a novel consumer experience. Nestled near the historical Grand Canal on Nanchang Street stands a NANIMOMO coffee shop, enticing patrons with offerings such as "A Fu Mocha" and "A Xi Latte". This amalgamation of a coffee shop and a clay figurine experience allows customers to savor the enchanting essence of traditional culture.

Moving forward, Huishan clay figurines are expected to continue blending traditional and contemporary elements, forging collaborations with prominent chain brands in the food, cultural, creative, and fashion industries to reach a wider audience and enhance familiarity.