Pingyao artist makes clay sculptures a hit online

Zhang Rong makes a clay sculpture in his studio in the Ancient City of Pingyao. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Zhang Rong, a post-1980s folk artist from Pingyao county in North China's Shanxi province, has recently been an internet influencer due to his handicraft. 

Zhang followed his father to learn clay sculpture making in childhood and studied carving skills from many famous teachers. In 2012, the man opened his studio in the Ancient City of Pingyao.

Zhang Rong makes a clay sculpture in his studio in the Ancient City of Pingyao. [Photo/Shanxi Daily] 

To allow more people to understand the culture of clay sculpture, he often makes vivid portrait clay sculptures for residents and tourists in the streets and alleys of the Ancient City of Pingyao, and uploads clay sculpture making process videos to the internet.

In 2015, Zhang was recognized as a representative promoter of the Pingyao clay sculpture making skills. 

"We cannot ignore the historical charm and aesthetic enjoyment that traditional national craftsmanship brings to us. This excellent national craftsmanship should be passed down from generation to generation," said Zhang Rong who is confident about the future of clay sculpture.