Ding Jianhua, an inheritor of the clay figurine intangible cultural heritage in Hangzhou, makes a tiger-shaped clay figurine for residents of Xipan Community in the city. [Photo/hzdaily.hangzhou.com.cn]

Ding Jianhua, an inheritor of the clay figurine intangible cultural heritage in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang, was invited by the Xipan Community in the city to demonstrate making tiger-shaped clay figurines on Jan 26.

The tiger-shaped clay figurine made by Ding. [Photo/hzdaily.hangzhou.com.cn]

The upcoming Lunar New Year is the Year of the Tiger and many Chinese believe that items featuring the tiger, including tiger paintings, tiger-head shoes, and tiger-shaped figurines, can ward off evil spirits.

Various clay figurines made by Ding. [Photo/hzdaily.hangzhou.com.cn]