Chinese cloth tigers

These Chinese cloth tigers have round and big eyes and a big mouth. Their exaggerated features are said to highlight their courageous demeanor, to ward off evil spirts and protect the family and home.  Tiger-heads and facial features are often naive and childlike, just like the innocence of lovely children. It's a traditional folk handicraft that's been popular in China since ancient times -- a kind of toy, indoor decoration, gift and keepsake for your personal collection. There are a wide variety of Chinese cloth tigers, which reflect the culture of rural China. [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]