Most of the figurines in Shiwan are figures, and figure sculpture is the most common and productive variety in Shiwan pottery. In addition to various historical, mythical and legendary figures, novels and dramas, there are also life themes such as fishing, firewood, farming and reading, which makes Shiwan pottery become an art that people are willing to collect.

There are always some widely circulated stories behind all kinds of characters. While enjoying and playing with these Shiwan dolls, it also adds to the fun of collecting.

In addition, birds, animals, fish and insects are also common varieties in Shiwan dolls. Themes are divided into two categories: reality and legend, such as horses, cows and sheep in real life, and legendary dragons and phoenixes, gluttony and Kirin, which are full of traditional culture.

Although Shiwan doll has a long history, it is difficult to find old objects hundreds of years ago. 1952, Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture established the Shiwan Workshop of Guangzhou People's Fine Arts Society in Shiwan, which was presided over by some famous pottery and plastic artists in Shiwan, and arranged for personnel to learn from famous artists. 1957, Shiwan Pottery Research Institute was established to study the glaze color, raw materials and kiln site of Shiwan Pottery. At the same time, the scattered ceramic workshops were combined to establish Shiwan Fine Ceramics Factory, and then the factory was merged with Guangzhou People's Fine Arts Society Shiwan Workshop and individual joint venture craft society to form the state-owned Shiwan Fine Ceramics Factory, which has developed to this day. During the ten-year "Cultural Revolution", due to the influence of the political situation at that time, many traditional themes were classified as "four old" and could not be produced. A large number of images of workers, peasants and soldiers have appeared, such as "Iron King Manjin West" and "Moving Mountains to Build Fields". These Shiwan dolls now have high collection value.

There is a view in the collection circle that Shiwan kiln belongs to local art varieties and it is difficult to get out of Lingnan area. So there are not many Shiwan dolls in the auction market. However, excellent works of art with local characteristics will always attract people's attention gradually. Large auction houses in Beijing, such as Guardian and Poly, have also begun to appear in Shiwan Kiln. At the auction of ceramic treasures held in Guangzhou Branch of China Poly Auction House in June 5438+February 2008, the original work "Noble Dragon" by Huang, a master of arts and crafts in China, was originally priced at 6,543,800 yuan, but it was finally sold at a high price of 6,543,800 yuan. I saw a set of Shuihu 108 Shiwan dolls in an auction house in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, and the valuation was not low. In some cities such as Guangzhou, there are also many transactions of old Shiwan kiln products.

Ordinary collectors have limited financial resources, and it is difficult to make achievements in high-end antique works of art such as official kilns and famous paintings and calligraphy. They look to some types with profound historical background that are not sought after by collectors for the time being, and can receive fine products. The collection of Shiwan dolls is a "hidden mystery". The real Shiwan doll collection market seems to be "non-mainstream" on the surface, which is somewhat deserted, but in fact many smart collectors at home and abroad are secretly collecting. However, in the old society, there were not many high-quality Shiwan dolls, and Tibetan friends could not blindly collect them, because they found new collection channels. In addition, ceramic works are divided into original works, limited products, fine products and ordinary products. Tibetan friends should understand the concept.

There is only one originality, and the craftsman is responsible for the whole process from creation to production. On the basis of the original work, the limited quantity is copied by the mold, and then checked by the craftsman. The number is generally in the tens or hundreds. Many Shiwan dolls are also equipped with certificates. If the quantity is not indicated on it, it can only be regarded as a boutique. Boutique is a handicraft product which is injected by assembly line with the authorization of craftsmen because the market is in short supply. The original and limited edition have the author's autograph, seal and collection certificate, so the collection value is naturally different. For example, the price of a boutique is only a few thousand yuan, while the original is often tens of thousands of yuan.

In addition, Tibetan friends should pay attention to the choice of theme when collecting Shiwan dolls, and then consider the author's reputation. Modern Shiwan dolls, innovative theme is the key to appreciation.