Niejiazhuang Clay Sculpture Craft Survey And Research

Niejiazhuang clay sculpture is always paid close attention by the community since it was explored in late 1970s. It was formally announced to include the first batch of intangible cultural heritage list of Shandong Province, but it was researched not enough. Although a lot of disadvantages exist in Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's inheritance, protection and development, its status is yet better than the most of other folk crafts of China now. It has more value to be researched by the academics. The author wants to research Niejiazhuang clay sculpture comprehensively as much as possible in the Art History's field. This dissertation maybe offers a more complete document of Niejiazhuang clay sculpture for the future researchers and announces the author's views for some problems.There are 6 chapters in the dissertation (Introduction and Conclusion are not included in the chapters). The author announces most of his views in the descriptions. The 1st chapter is entitled"The overview of Niejiazhuang: The village's environment and history". It introduces Niejiazhuang's administrative history and geography, folk customs, including socio-economic environment, trace history of the clan and village, the other background information.The 2nd chapter is entitled"Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's origin and development". It researches 2 major problems, the origin and development process of Niejiazhuang clay sculpture.The 3rd chapter is entitled"Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's materials, tools and produced processes". It classifies and documents the materials, tools and produced processes of Niejiazhuang clay sculpture. Its details are more than all the known official publication or published research work.The 4th chapter is entitled"Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's art characteristics". In consolidated the results of previous studies, it discusses the issues of Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's craft modelings, performance themes, craft features and craft evolution based on personal opinion with the author. The 5th chapter is entitled"Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's producers". It introduces some existing producers and inheritance mode of the skill. In which such an important producer, Nie Xiwei's genealogy, life, skill inheritance and development, and skill characteristics are documented by great number of words.The 6th chapter is entitled"Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's business mode". It researches 2 major areas, the production modes and marketing strategies. That includes the contents of production organization forms, production schedules, sales modes and market scope, product packaging and advertising, selling prices, operating philosophy, and the views of industry-oriented.The author's main points are: Firstly, Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's origin and development are inseparable with the local natural and human environment. Secondly, Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's production process is closely related to its artistic features. Thirdly, Niejiazhuang clay sculpture yet to face a real crisis of survival. Fourthly, Niejiazhuang clay sculpture's original business strategies and market positioning must change.