What is Wadang?
Beneath the eaves of ancient Chinese buildings lies a small round tile that carries a thousand years of beauty- it’s called Wadang.
What is Wadang? Wadang is a clay tile placed at the end of the roof tiles. It blocks rain, secures the roof, and adds graceful decoration to the eaves.
From the Zhou to the Tang and Song dynasties, its patterns evolved - from blessing words and mythical beasts to lotus and cloud motifs- symbols of peace, longevity, and beauty.
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Lalita's Wadang Journey
Lalita began studying traditional Chinese roof tile Wadang art in 2025 under a master artisan Zhao Kai in Pingyao, Shanxi province. After she back to NZ, she has introduced Wadang workshop to local communities, sharing this historic craft though hands-on ceramic teaching. Alongside teaching, Lalita also creates contemporary Wadang inspired handmade pieces, including coasters, fridge magnets, lamps, and other functional ceramic artworks.
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Lion Wadang and phoenix Dishui
Nestled within the intricate tapestry of ancient artistry, the Lion Wadang captivates with its regal charm and majestic allure. Crafted with meticulous detail, this architectural adornment embodies a timeless narrative of strength and grace. The Lion Wadang stands as a testament to a bygone era, where art and symbolism intertwine in a dance of elegance and grandeur. As the gentle winds whisper through its mane, the Lion Wadang beckons forth images of royalty and nobility, casting a spell of enchantment over all who behold its magnificence. In its silent splendor, this emblem of lions, the kings of the wild, evokes a sense of reverence and admiration, symbolizing courage and protection for those who seek its presence. Behold the Lion Wadang, a symbol of power and beauty, a masterpiece that embodies the essence of romance and splendor from a distant epoch.
Inspired by the phoenix, a timeless symbol of renewal, grace, and transformation, this handcrafted ceramic water dripper brings both beauty and function to the tea table. As water falls gently from the beak of the phoenix, each drop becomes a quiet moment of contemplation. The flowing water evokes balance, patience, and the continuous cycle of change found in nature. Individually handmade in stoneware, every piece carries its own unique character, celebrating the subtle variations that emerge through the ceramic process.
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Real size Wadang
The picture is Master Zhao Kai's Studio in Pingyao, Shanxi province.
Real size Wadang one-day workshops
Lalita once hosted Wadang workshops at the Whangarei Quarry Art Centre. Now, Lalita also hosts Wadang workshops at her own studio.
Class time ：8th August 2026, 10:00 -15:00 Group class
Or you can book private classes
Price: $100 per person
Please ask Lalita more about the Wadang workshop!
Wadang fridge magnets classes
Make you own design of Wadang fridge magnet.
You can book at your convenient time, 2 hours
Small Wadang fridge magnet: $36
Medium Wadang fridge magnet: $45
Large Wadang fridge magnet: $55
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fridge magnets
Upon the gleaming fridge, a story takes its flight— A dragon twines in midnight scales, a lion roars in golden light. These Wadang fridge magnets hold a world of dreams inside— With floral patterns that in ancient whispers glide. They are more than mere adornments; they are bridges across time, Carrying a heritage, a legacy sublime. Lalita’s love blooms in each delicate form— A functional art, a display, a beauty that warms. In each swirl of dragon, each bloom of lion’s grace, Lalita sees a future where tradition finds its place. This is her path, where art and memory intertwine— A ceramic dream, both timeless and divine.
