Craftspeople in southwest China's Yunnan Province have turned "Wamao," a cat-shaped clay figurine recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage item, into creative modern ornaments from traditional rooftop decorations, sparking a cultural revival marked by surging sales and strong youth appeal.
Widely recognized by its round mouth and perched atop roof tiles, Wamao stands as Yunnan's distinctive cultural emblem. For centuries, this traditional rooftop guardian has evolved by incorporating diverse local ethnic elements, evolving into a rich variety of cat figures.
"With its feet on the roof tile, Wamao stays close to home, guarding our family and household. Its wide-open mouth draws wealth from all directions, while the 'Wang' character on its forehead conveys the tiger's authority and deterrence," said Li Qiongxian, head of a Wamao ceramics training center in Kunming, capital of Yunnan.
However, as houses made of gray bricks and tile have been largely replaced by modern concrete structures, Wamao, in their original role as architectural components, have seen a decline in practical use.
This trend reversed in 2023 when Wamao was listed as a Yunnan provincial-level intangible cultural heritage item, sparking a revival. Since then, a new generation of inheritors and cultural studios have begun creatively reinterpreting its form and innovating its new applications.
"It can be used as a fridge magnet. It is detachable to serve as either a ceramic ornament or a memo holder. With its adorable design and auspicious symbolism, Wamao not only represents our local culture but also stands as Yunnan's intangible cultural heritage," said Tang Jiawen, head of a cultural and creative brand.
"This piece is particularly intriguing. It resembles a Wamao from one side but can be flipped over to transform into a cup for tea or coffee. The range of Wamao variations has also expanded to include crocheted versions, which can only be crafted by young people," said Hong Haibo, curator of the Wamao Museum in Panlong District of Kunming.
Today, stores selling Wamao-themed cultural souvenirs are found across Yunnan. A Wamao museum alone has witnessed remarkable growth in its derivative product sales, which surged from just over 1,000 items in 2023 to more than 10,000 in 2024, and its sales have already exceeded 20,000 so far this year.
The product range has also expanded from several dozen traditional clay figurines to over 160 cultural and creative designs.
"Since it's a tourist city, we certainly hope to encounter unique items. Therefore, Wamao embodies both the distinctive local cultural symbols, and a unique design. It is commendable for its pursuit of innovation and resonance with young people," said Peng Shiyun, a visitor from Shanghai.
The remarkable adaptability of Wamao has also drawn an increasing number of young people to craft their own personalized versions.
"The growing interest in Wamao among young people is something we never anticipated. They deeply focus on their inner selves and pour their emotional experiences into their creations. As a result, Wamao has found its way into our daily life, instead of simply staying on old rooftops, making its applications broader than ever," Hong said.
Traditional cat-shaped roof figurines turn into everyday ornaments
Traditional cat-shaped roof figurines turn into everyday ornaments
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he estimates a deal with Iran will be signed "in the next day or two."
Trump said in an interview with Israel's Channel 12 News that the United States and Iran will probably meet over the weekend to finalize a deal to end the war. "The Iranians want to meet and make a deal," he said.
He said "the naval blockade on Iran is helping to make a deal. I will not lift it until we make a deal," adding that "the biggest part of this deal is that it will make Israel safer. This deal is good for Israel."
According to the channel, one component of the deal under discussion is that the United States will release 20 billion U.S. dollars in frozen Iranian funds.
In exchange, Iran would give up its stockpile of enriched uranium, and would be only allowed to have nuclear research reactors to produce medical isotopes, all above ground.
Trump also stressed that Israel must stop the strikes on Lebanon, saying, "They can't keep blowing up buildings. I'm not going to allow that."
Also on Friday, Trump said in a phone interview with Bloomberg that a deal to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran is mostly complete as talks over a lasting peace deal will "probably" be held this weekend in Pakistan.
Trump said in the phone interview that Iran agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely, and will not receive any frozen funds from the United States.
"Most of the main points are finalized. It'll go pretty quickly," Trump said.
Asked if he would travel to Pakistan to sign the potential deal, Trump said: "I may."
Trump again denied that the moratorium on Iran's nuclear program would expire after 20 years. "No years, unlimited," Trump said.
The United States will get all of Iran's nuclear "dust" with no money having exchanged hands "in any way, shape, or form," Trump wrote on social media earlier on Friday. Multiple Western media outlets have interpreted Trump's reference to nuclear "dust" as meaning Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium.
Iran has yet to comment on any deal beyond the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, nor on claims made by Trump that Tehran had offered concessions, including over the key issue of its nuclear program.
If the United States continues its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will consider it a violation of the ceasefire between the two countries and will close the waterway, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Friday, citing an informed source close to the Supreme National Security Council.
The Iranian side has yet to respond to the media report on the enriched uranium issue.
The United States and Iran had their first round of negotiations in Pakistan's Islamabad last weekend to ease tension in the Middle East. The talks, which failed to produce an agreement, took place after a ceasefire was announced on April 8 between Iran, the United States, and Israel, following 40 days of fighting.
Iran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz after the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on the country on Feb. 28. The United States also imposed a naval blockade on the strait following the failed negotiations in Islamabad.
Earlier on Friday, both Washington and Tehran confirmed that the strait had been completely open for all commercial vessels. However, Trump said on Truth Social that the U.S. naval blockade would "remain in full force." In response, Iran warned of closing the waterway again if the U.S. blockade continues.
Trump says may sign deal with Iran "in the next day or two": Israeli media
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