COLOR CHARACTERISTICS IN YANG’S CLAY SCULPTURE: A NATIONAL INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF CHINA

Abstract

This study aims to explore the color patterns of Yang's clay sculpture, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage of China. It analyzes and elucidates the color characteristics of Yang's clay sculptures and investigates the intrinsic connections between their color origins and regional styles, pigment materials, and production techniques. Using the representative work "Sixty Daoist Deities" as a sample, this paper employs a combination of field investigations, expert interviews, literature review, and quantitative data analysis. Utilizing the NCS color system, RGB color system, and K-means clustering algorithm, an in-depth analysis of the sculpture's color data was conducted, resulting in the construction of a commonly used color palette for Yang's clay sculptures. The findings indicate that Yang's clay sculptures exhibit rich and vibrant colors, predominantly in green and blue hues, characterized by medium brightness and purity. A local high-contrast strategy is employed to highlight the main figures. This study not only reveals the principles of color application but also explores their origins from multiple perspectives, including regional culture and material techniques. It provides digital evidence and practical guidance for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, cultural relic restoration, and the inheritance of traditional crafts.