Wuqi clay sculpture art is an ancient and common Han folk art in Shaanxi, China. Its origin and formation can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. With the rise of Taoism and the introduction of Buddhism, as well as the diversified worship activities, Taoist temples, Buddhist temples and temples in society rose up, which directly promoted the demand for clay idols and the development of clay sculpture art. In the Tang Dynasty, clay sculpture art reached its peak. Content Introduction The basic material of clay sculpture, clay, needs to be carefully prepared. Generally, sticky and fine soil is selected. After beating, throwing and kneading, sometimes cotton wool, paper or honey is added to the clay. The molding of clay sculpture is generally divided into four steps: making a prototype, turning the mold, casting, coloring. Making a prototype is to make a prototype, find a piece of well-mixed clay, use carving, molding, kneading and other techniques to shape an image, and then modify, polish and dry it. Some places need to be burned to strengthen the strength. Turning the mold is to press the clay on the original shape to print it into a mold. Common single-piece molds and double-piece molds are also multi-piece molds. The process of making a clay figurine is to use a mold to print the clay figurine. Usually, the mixed clay is rolled into a sheet, then pressed into a mold, and then two molds with pressed clay are closed and pressed tightly. Then a "bottom" is installed, that is, a piece of clay is glued to the bottom of the clay figurine to make the clay figurine hollow and tight outside. A hole is left on the body to allow air to circulate inside and outside the body to prevent the change of air pressure inside the body from damaging the clay figurine. The last process is coloring, which is known as "three parts of modeling and seven parts of coloring". Generally, a layer of base color is applied before coloring to keep the surface smooth and easy to absorb the color of the painting. The pigments of the painting are mostly color, mixed with water glue to enhance the color adhesion. Historical Origin Wuqi clay sculpture originated in the Neolithic Age and developed to the Han Dynasty. After the Han Dynasty, with the rise of Taoist temples, Buddhist temples, and temples, the rapid development and continuous improvement of clay sculpture technology was promoted. In the Tang Dynasty, Buddhist temples were built, and clay sculpture technology reached its peak. In the Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing, 1911-1949 (Republic of China era), clay sculpture technology continued to develop and spread, not only to shape Buddha statues, but also to small handicrafts. During the Cultural Revolution, accompanied by "attacking temples and abolishing the four olds", clay sculpture technology was also pushed into a trough. It was in a period of decline in the 1960s and 1970s. After the 1980s, with the pace of reform and opening up, clay sculpture technology surfaced, and only then did artists such as "Wang Hua" Niu Laizhu appear. Main features 1. Beautiful shape and lifelike image. Wuqi clay sculptures are mainly Buddha statues and handicrafts, especially Buddha statues, which vividly reflect the characteristics and majesty of each squatting Buddha statue. 2. Bright colors, steady and generous: Compared with other clay sculptures, Wuqi clay sculptures pay more attention to color matching, especially Buddha statues, which are brightly colored without losing solemnity and majesty, and can achieve the unity of body and spirit. 3. Clear edges and corners, and the shadows complement each other. Wuqi clay sculptures, especially Buddha statues, have clear edges and corners, and the shadows complement each other. Not only should the true shape be sculpted, but even the places where they are hidden and reflected should be sculpted in a way of shadows. 4. The characteristics of combining artistic appreciation with religious worship. Once Wuqi clay sculptures are sculpted into Buddha statues, whether they are large Buddha statues in temples or small Buddha statues at home, they are all "gods" for people to appreciate and worship. Main value Wuqi clay sculptures, as a traditional folk art, have their survival value since their birth, which should be in the following aspects: 1. Historical research value: The clay sculpture craft originated thousands of years ago and has always reflected the production and living customs of people in the corresponding era. The study of Wuqi clay sculptures is more helpful to understand and recognize history. 2. Ornamental value: Wuqi clay sculptures are exquisitely constructed, beautifully structured, and colorful. They are popular handicrafts that can be used in palaces, indoor decorations, business halls and other public places and family collections. 3. Faith value: Clay Buddha statues are the incarnation of "God" in people's eyes. They are mainly used in temples, business halls, and family altars. They are the "God" that people place their hopes on, pray for peace, and pray for happiness. Its value is immeasurable and sacred. It has irreplaceable value in people's hearts. Related items The tools used in Wuqi clay sculpture manufacturing mainly include cypress mud trowels, plaster molds, hammer mud sticks, large and small pliers, hand saws, large and small carving knives, wooden clay knives, painting pens, spatulas, paint sticks and other tools. The main works include statues of Zhenwu Patriarch, Guan Gong, Dragon King, God of Wealth, Earth God, Niangniang, Medicine King, Twelve Beauties, Four Heavenly Kings, Fengbo and Yusi, Five Grains and Tianming, dragons and tigers, small handicrafts and hundreds of other excellent works.