Clay Figure Zhang stands as a prominent example of clay sculpture (泥塑 nísù) in China. Artisans begin with carefully selecting pliable clay from riverbanks and processing it through twelve meticulous steps (步骤 bùzhòu), including sun-drying, sieving and pounding. Using hand-molding techniques alongside specialized tools like pressing blades, they capture lifelike expressions with precision. After natural drying, the figures are painted with mineral pigments, ensuring the colors remain vibrant for