The figurines are made of local Fengxiang clay, which was mixed with pulp and painted after it was shaped.  The images on the clay figurines typically included flowers, birds, fish, insects, as well as birds and beasts, reflecting cultural characteristics of ancient China.  The figurines are painted with such bright colors and traditionally each color has a special meaning. Green represents longevity; red means a flourishing year. Also each painted pattern design has meaning: pomegranate represents happiness and prospers offspring; butterfly brings good fortune; peony represents fortune and luck.