Wan Shuqing – Inheritor of Wamao-making Craft in Chenggong District, Kunming 

Wan Shuqing (万树青), born in 1930, is a native of Xincao Fang Village (新草房村), Longjie Subdistrict (龙街办事处), Longcheng Town (龙城镇), Chenggong District (呈贡县), Kunming (昆明). Originally from Waya Village (瓦窑村) in Yuxi (玉溪), Wan moved to Chenggong after serving in the military and apprenticed with his father in pottery-making.

Mastering the Craft of Wamao (Tile Cat)

For over 40 years, Wan has specialized in pottery-making, with a particular focus on crafting Wamao (瓦猫)—whimsical tile cats placed on the roofs of Naxi houses to protect the home and draw in good fortune. Wan is known as the earliest practitioner in Chenggong to make Wamao, and his unique tile cats have become highly popular both locally and among scholars, artists, and collectors.

Notable Achievements

Wan’s tile cats have been admired by many and were featured in the 1st China Art Festival (1987), where his creations were part of the Yunnan Ethnic and Folk Arts Exhibition in Beijing. His Wamao became well-known for its artistic appeal and cultural significance.

Family Tradition

Wan’s Wamao-making craft has been passed down to his son, Wan Ronghua (万荣华), who now continues the tradition. The Wamao, placed on the roof ridges of local homes, serves as a guardian spirit and symbol of prosperity. This practice is widespread in many parts of Yunnan (云南).

For more details, please visit the original source: Yunnan Cultural Heritage.