Design Concept

Clay Tales' design philosophy is to transform the real, tender emotions of everyday life into three-dimensional stories that can be cherished for a long time. We don't pursue dazzling and exaggerated styles, but rather seek out the most heartwarming moments in everyday life.

Hu Yunping's works often feature rural childhoods and ordinary people: a child drinking soup from a bowl, an elderly person taking a nap in the afternoon, etc. Women playing instruments and singing, farmers returning from the market... each piece retains traces of hand-sculpting and the texture of clay. It makes the work look imperfect, yet exceptionally real and captivating.


Creative Concept

Ni Yan believes that art is not out of reach, but rather a re-examination of ordinary life. The starting point for creation is not "creating perfection." Instead, it's about "leaving traces"—letting the work record those previously overlooked gazes and emotions.

The works are mostly based on scenes of traditional Chinese rural and urban life: elderly people sunbathing, children playing, women on their way, and villagers returning from the market. Through exaggerated yet heartwarming body language and expressions, viewers can see themselves and their families reflected in the characters while smiling knowingly.

We hope that each clay sculpture is like the beginning of a short story—an unfinished tale left for the viewer to complete in their heart.


Craftsmanship characteristics and material language

Teacher Hu Yunping insists on creating in the most traditional way, which best expresses the texture of clay. Each piece is completed in his personal studio, not made into mass-produced molds.

  • Completely handmade: From composition and shape to detailed carving, everything is done by hand, making each piece a unique individual.
  • No glazing, no artificial coloring: Preserving the original color and texture of the clay, allowing light and time to naturally leave their mark on the surface.
  • Firing at approximately 1200℃: This stabilizes the structure while retaining a slightly warm, matte texture.
  • Natural colors and simple shapes: conveying emotional tension through simple lines and postures, rather than relying on bright colors.
  • Each artwork has a story behind it: each sculpture corresponds to a life scene or a person's memory, making them suitable for long-term display and collection.

For Niyan, design is not about chasing trends, but about reserving a quiet and warm corner for viewers in a fast-paced life.