Xian Arts and Crafts

Reproductions of Qin Pottery Soldiers and Horses

Replicas of some of the figures of the underground Qin pottery legion are made by skilled craftsmen chosen by cultural and craft organizations. Some are about the same size as the originals and are suitable for display in museums of art or history. Copies at reduced scales of 1:2 or 1:4 may be good decorations in homes and reception rooms. Midget facsimiles at 1:8 handy for transportation, are well received as personal collections or gifts to friends.
With the continued digging at the Qin site and the restoration of more original figures, the copies will be available in growing varieties.

Imitations of Tri-colored Glazed Tang Potteries

The making of the tri-Colored glazed potteries reached a high artistic level in the Tang Dynasty and they keep being unearthed every year in the environs of Xian. In them one finds the consummate skills of traditions Chinese ceramics well integrated with the high standards of Buddhist sculptural art. Drawing subject matter from realities at the time, they reflect many aspects of Tang like through various figures, which are very much admired for their life-like modelling beautiful colors and exquisite glazing; especially marvellous are the figurines of men, horses and camels.
Imitations of these figurines and some Tang vessels are successfully produced by handicraft works in Xian and Qianxian County. They are on sale as souvenirs for tourists.

Shadow-Play figures

Shania shadow plays are known not merely for their forceful and sonorous singing, but the fine craftsmanship involved in the making of the figures makes it almost an independent art.
Artisan carvers are good at combining simple, neat linear drawings with elaborate costumes and head ornaments so that sparsity of strokes alternates with thickly-spaced lines to achieve a pleasing effect. Hollow-out carving is employed to depict the dramatic personae-their looks, status, dresses as well as dispositions-and to achieve characterization both in form and in spirit.
These figures are not only supplied to shadow play troupes, but because of their exotic flavour, many art lovers like to have them for their collection or use them as indoor decorations.

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