Netizens captivated by pony figurines

A handcrafted pony named Mabiaobiao — which means "spirited little horse" — has captured the hearts of Chinese netizens as a playful commemorative to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

Featuring wildly styled manes in curls, braids and vibrant colors, the pony figurines greet visitors in the bustling cultural and creative products section of Shandong Art Museum in Jinan, Shandong province.

Crafted from soft clay and natural sheep wool, Mabiaobiao draws inspiration from the galloping steed in a classic painting by renowned Chinese artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957).

So far, the Mabiaobiao series of cultural and creative products, including figurines, bags and cups, has exceeded 900,000 yuan ($130,546) in sales, according to museum figures, while becoming a bridge connecting traditional culture with contemporary life.

The journey from century-old masterpiece to modern cultural hit began in September 2025 when Xiaoxiami polymer clay studio in the prefecture-level city of Zibo, which borders Jinan to the west, was commissioned to create a series of works inspired by more than 200 of Qi's paintings. Though the artist is best known for his Chinese traditional paintings of shrimp and flowers, the team was drawn to his rare and dynamic portrayal of a horse.

"Qi's art is free and lively. To translate that spirit into clay was a real challenge," said Wang Zhi, who is in charge of the studio.

Specializing in realistic sculpture, the team spent months refining their approach, bringing together several artists to preserve the essence of Qi's brushwork. Recreating the horse's flowing mane proved especially tricky.

After many experiments, the team settled on sheep wool for its softness, washability and ease of styling.

"When the first batch of ponies with flowing manes was completed, everyone in the studio was delighted. We couldn't help but braid different hairstyles for them," Wang said.

The tactile, customizable details quickly became a signature appeal, resonating with young consumers and spreading rapidly on social media. Social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Weibo quickly overflowed with affectionate, complimentary posts about the design.

"Such playful remarks reflect that Mabiaobiao is more than just a cultural and creative product; it has become a beloved item that everyone cares about and helps refine," said Wang. "We listen to netizens on everything, including hair color, body tone …even hair volume."

Popular suggestions led to new color variants like pink and blue, while early remarks on thin manes prompted a fluffier redesign.

In the museum shop, customers carefully examine each pony's mane texture, curl and volume.

"It has a lot of hair, and each one is unique. We can braid pigtails or create a spiky hairstyle according to our preferences, owning an exclusive little pony," said a student surnamed Liu who had just purchased one.

"It looks wild, but so real," one online review observed, pinpointing the product's appeal.

Museum employees attribute that connection to its fusion of artistic spirit and daily life.

"Mabiaobiao carries the soaring energy of Qi's horse, embodying the belief that 'Steady steps cover a thousand miles', while its rough, authentic look brings lofty art into people's daily life," said Cui Wentao, deputy director of Shandong Art Museum.

Each piece is meticulously shaped, baked, and finished by hand. Any flaw means starting over, resulting in a limited supply. Yet visitors often wait patiently for the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind companion.

"Excellent cultural and creative products must be rooted in original IP that stands the test of time, while also innovating in forms that resonate with the audience, achieving both cultural depth and aesthetic appeal," Cui said.

zhaoruexue@chinadaily.com.cn