Shiwan Ceramic Sculpture Craft

Shiwan ceramic sculpture is a traditional craft from Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong, centered in Shiwan Town. Its abundant resources and transport networks have made it a key ceramics hub in Lingnan.

Shiwan ceramics blend cultural and regional traits, categorized into figures, animals, vessels, miniatures, and roof decorations. Figure sculptures (called "Shiwan Dolls") combine realism and exaggeration, with lifelike charm and vibrant local artistry.

Production involves design, clay refining, shaping, decoration, glazing, and dragon-kiln firing. Temperature control relies on the artisan’s expertise—the kiln’s upper/middle/lower zones demand skilled handling.

Originating in daily pottery from the Eastern Han Dynasty, it matured in the Tang, peaked in Ming-Qing, declined in the Republic era, and revived post-1949. Eminent artisans include Liu Jia and Zhuang Jia.

Today, shrinking demand and lack of successors endanger this craft, calling for urgent preservation.