Zhang Caisu, a clay figurine in Tianjin, is a popular folk art with distinctive realistic style and exaggerated and decent expression. Its biggest feature is that it pays more attention to the shape and proportion of characters on the basis of folk clay sculpture freehand brushwork. It is based on "plastic" and "painting" makes the statue closer to the real person.

Clay figurine Zhang Caisu has a history of 180 years, which is another peak of clay sculpture art in China after Liu Yuan in Yuan Dynasty. His works are exquisite and far-reaching, occupying an important position in the history of traditional folk handicrafts in China. Modeling works are not only similar in shape, but also similar in spirit, reaching a state of both form and spirit.

The making process of clay sculpture:

The production process of clay sculpture includes kneading, drying, firing, grinding and coloring. When kneading plastic, the head, shoulders and waist are determined through the cooperation of clappers, and the initial shape of the work is constructed, and then the plastic is kneaded more finely with a "press"; Molded works should avoid direct sunlight or be placed around fire, and the correct air drying method should be natural air drying.

After the "clay figurine" is completely dried, it should be fired in a kiln at a temperature of about 700℃; After leaving the kiln, it needs polishing and finishing. Because the clay sculpture is solid, the air between the soil will expand outward, and the surface of the clay sculpture will produce fine cracks. Therefore, every crack should be repaired with putty, and then the clay sculpture should be polished with fine sandpaper. Finally, color it until it is full and draw a decorative pattern.