Ma Biaobiao The Viral Cultural Icon Goes Global

Recently, the soft pottery cultural creation"Biaobiao the Horse"has gained huge popularity for its honest and lovely shape, fluffy and elegant mane, and cute expression. On March 16, Luna, a young lady from Türkiye, visited the Xiaoxiaomi Soft Pottery Research Institute to explore where this "internet-famous" pony was created.

During the tour, Luna watched the making process of Biaobiao the Horse up close. Shaping, trimming, baking, attaching the mane… Staff members focused on shaping the little white horses, breathing life and character into them by hand. When trying it herself, Luna carefully kneaded the clay, attempting to create Biaobiao’s signature round shape and adorable look. However, the seemingly simple modeling turned out to be quite challenging in practice. The thickness and curve of the clay strips, as well as the proportion of facial features, required great patience and precise techniques.

During the experience, the person in charge of Xiaoxiaomi Soft Pottery Studio explained that Biaobiao’s popularity stems not only from its cute appearance but also from the"co-creation"concept it carries. Some customers braid hairstyles, create looks, or even add accessories for the ponies after receiving them. Some even document their ponies’ transformation from a "messy hairstyle" on Monday to an "elegant look" by Friday. On social media, netizens have shared various DIY styles, including braids, bangs, and ponytails. This "healing" pony is affectionately called the "Messy Haired Pony." People regard it not only as a handicraft but also as a symbol of high-spirited, free and easy spirit, matching young people’s pursuit of being true to themselves.

The experience gave Luna a deep insight into the exquisite craftsmanship of Chinese artisans and a better understanding and affection for Chinese cultural and creative products. Here, she saw more than a viral cultural product she witnessed how Chinese craftsmanship integrates traditional culture into clay and shapes it with warmth. As a portable culture that can be taken home, cultural creativity is playing an increasingly important role in people-to-people exchanges between China and the world.

Cultural creations like Biaobiao the Horse are more than delicate artworks. They are a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern aesthetics, carrying oriental aesthetics and craftsmanship spirit that can cross borders and touch hearts worldwide. When more foreign friends like Luna walk into workshops and experience Chinese handcrafts in person, cultural creativity becomes more than a product — it turns into auniversal cultural and a bridge connecting China and the world.