The Leather Tiger - Intangible cultural heritage handicrafts

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The Leather Tiger - Intangible cultural heritage handicrafts

$35.00

Style: Ivory White – Short-haired

Quantity

Product Info

Name: Folk Toy Leather Tiger
Specifications: Short Hair Version / Long Hair Version
Material: Pure Wool
Parameters: Leather Tiger: 5CMX5CM(Hand Measurement May Have Errors)
Estimated total delivery：Made to order, 7–14 days，depends on your location
Return Policy：Returnable within 30 days after receiving your item, not customizable

Intangible Heritage · The Story of the Leather Tiger

The Leather Tiger is a beloved figure in traditional northern Chinese folk crafts, embodying wishes for bravery, good health, and protection. Rooted in the ancient belief that the tiger is the king of all animals and a powerful guardian spirit, these handcrafted tigers were traditionally placed beside infants or in the home to ward off evil and bring peace.

Made from leather, fabric, and cotton, each Leather Tiger is carefully hand-sewn, embroidered, and painted. With exaggerated features, vivid colors, and bold expressions, they combine a sense of strength with a childlike charm. It’s more than a decorative item—it’s a deeply symbolic artifact filled with care, artistry, and cultural meaning.

The Leather Tiger is the most iconic form of clay sculpture from Xun County, with a history that dates back to the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Crafted from deep-layer clay drawn from the Yellow River, its making involves over ten meticulous steps—soaking, kneading, molding, sun-drying, hand-painting, and more. The finished tiger, with its round face and whimsical charm, often hides a whistle in its tail that lets out a playful sound when squeezed—blending folk artistry with a delightful sense of fun.

Today, the Leather Tiger stands not only as a symbol of folk belief but also as a tender reminder of warmth, tradition, and hope. In every stitch lies a quiet promise—to guard, to bless, and to carry the spirit of love through generations.

Wang Jumei: The Heritage Keeper of the Thousand-Year-Old "Leather Tiger" Tradition

Wang Jumei, age 76, is the national-level inheritor of this intangible cultural heritage. A native of Dongyangpitun village in Henan’s Xun County,China. She began learning the craft at the age of 14, following the hands of her elders. Over the past 54 years, she has witnessed the fading of the tradition and, more recently, its revival through modern media. Often called “the last guardian”, Grandma Wang is more than a craftswoman—she is a living bridge between the past and the present, and a quiet steward of cultural memory.

📌Please Note

Each leather tiger is handcrafted by Ms. Wang Jumei, so there will be handmade marks. Thank you for supporting slow, heartfelt craftsmanship.

The Leather Tiger - Intangible cultural heritage handicrafts

Product Info

Intangible Heritage · The Story of the Leather Tiger

Wang Jumei: The Heritage Keeper of the Thousand-Year-Old "Leather Tiger" Tradition

📌Please Note

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