Recently I was at the Panjiayuan “antique” market in Beijing. Back in the day, we called it The Dirt Market, because it was a weekend market on a dirt field. Now it’s been spiffed up and become a major tourist draw. Anyway, I spotted these interesting clay figurines, and instantly dubbed them ‘The Hutong Boys.’ Kind of cute, aren’t they? But I must admit to scratching my head a bit regarding what they are holding. Let’s see……one has a chicken or a duck, and one a baby lamb. One guy has nothing. But what’s with the chap holding a tube of toothpaste and toothbrush? Your guess is as good as mine!
