· Inspiration

I was fascinated by a traditional Chinese clothing item — Hu Tou Mao (tiger head hat) —for a long time and we I began to style my first doll, I decided to make it the central theme of my doll.

I quickly started researching, collecting images and stories about the tiger hat, and became fascinated by its history.

In Chinese culture, the tiger, as a fierce animal, has long been regarded as a symbol of bravery and fearlessness. Stories such as Wu Song Fights the Tiger have helped transmit this courageous spirit across generations.

Not surprisingly, in Western culture, the taming of fierce animals is also associated with bravery. According to some online sources, this imagery may trace back to statues of Heracles, who is often depicted wearing a lion hat. This visual motif was carried eastward through the campaigns of Alexander the Great, and similar representations can still be found in Chinese sculpture today. It is believed that the lion was replaced by the tiger because China had no native lions at the time. Over time, the tiger hat became an element integrated into traditional children’s clothing, carrying with it the wish that children would grow up with courage and strength.

· Process

【Sculpting】

In 2019, I took a course in HangZhou, China for 6 months and began to learn and sculpt this doll. At beginning the doll was fully hand-made by a sprcial clay-Ladoll. I leart some basic anatomie knowledges and try to attempt the idea that I have in my mind.

【Shoes Making】

In 2020, I also took a month-long shoemaking course with an elderly Chinese craftsman in Jinan, China, to better understand shoe structure.

【Costume Making】

I want my dolls to have a vintage look, like they’re old toys. So when I make their clothes and accessories, I deliberately distress the fabric—making it slightly faded and yellowed—to imitate the natural aging of materials over time.

And here’s their final look!

Gallery-Pao袍(2020)