Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Tang Yong) news: On April 10, 2025, stepping into Jiangxiaotao Clay Sculpture Studio run by Wu Shaojie, an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage painted clay sculptures from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The studio showcases a rich variety of painted clay artworks, ranging from delicate pendants and ornaments to grand group sculptures, all imbued with distinctive Xinjiang characteristics.

Photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows Wu Shaojie shapes a clay base.

Wu learned traditional painted clay sculpture techniques in his childhood from Xu Shuzhang, a national-level inheritor of the technique. In 2010, he studied tourism product design and production under Zhang Guojing, a master of Xinjiang arts and crafts. Later, he mastered soft clay sculpture techniques under Zhen Mingjie, an inheritor of the painted clay sculpture intangible cultural heritage from southern Anhui in east China. During his training, he developed a deep passion for Xinjiang’s folk culture, drawing inspiration for his creations.

In 2019, he founded a media company and established the "Jiangxiaotao" brand. Firmly believing in the potential of combining Xinjiang’s cultural tourism resources with creative design, he traveled across the region to gather inspiration while creating. His products quickly gained market recognition.

Photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows Wu Shaojie teaches a student painted clay sculpture techniques.

Wu Shaojie has achieved remarkable results on his path of inheriting and innovating the craft. As a representative inheritor of Xinjiang's painted clay sculpture techniques, his works have frequently won accolades. The "Twelve Muqam" earned him the "Golden Phoenix" Gold Medal of Chinese Arts and Crafts. He has also garnered multiple awards in national competitions, and his sculptures are displayed in the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum and China National Arts and Crafts Museum.

Painted clay sculpture is a traditional Chinese folk art, an ancient and common craft that shapes clay into various figures. Wu's works primarily depict scenes from the lives of Xinjiang's different ethnic groups, showcasing strong regional characteristics.

"Xinjiang's rich folk culture inspires me to create more painted clay cultural products," said Wu, who is dedicated to blending intangible cultural heritage with modern creativity, using clay sculptures to tell Xinjiang's stories vividly.

Photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows Wu Shaojie sculptures a character's head.

Photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows the sculpture work "Gaotai ancient residential area" by Wu Shaojie.

Photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows Wu Shaojie arranges the artworks in his display cabinet.

Photo taken on March 22, 2025 shows Wu Shaojie’s sculptures displayed at the 6th Xinjiang Spring Tourism Expo.

(A written permission shall be obtained for reprinting, excerpting, copying and mirroring of the contents published on this website. Unauthorized aforementioned act shall be deemed an infringement, of which the actor shall be held accountable under the law.)