Unique to the Chinese capital, Tu’er Ye (“lord rabbit”) clay figurines are based on the moon god in Chinese folklore. Often shown holding a mortar and pestle, or even riding a tiger, horse or dragon, Tu’er Ye is an age-old part of Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. The rabbits were first sculpted in 16th-century Beijing as symbols of Buddhist and Daoist beliefs. Over time, their significance came to include health and wellness. While mass-produced versions are easily found on Taobao, there are still traditional craftspeople in Beijing who make these rabbits in an effort to preserve a dying art – try your luck in Wudaoying Hutong in Dongcheng District or Liulichang in Xicheng District.
