瓦貓，是云南民間安裝在屋脊或門楣處的一種傳統(tǒng)民間裝飾。它融合了實用功能與民俗信仰，用于吞食四方邪祟，護佑家宅安寧。2023年，瓦貓被列入云南省第五批省級非物質(zhì)文化遺產(chǎn)代表性項目名錄。

Wamao, a cat-shaped pottery artifact originating in Yunnan, combines practical design with folk beliefs. Traditionally mounted on eaves or lintels, it was believed to drive away evil spirits and bring peace to the household. In 2023, Wamao was listed as one of Yunnan's provincial intangible cultural heritage items.

2012年，在藝術(shù)課堂上初識瓦貓的張航被其自由、奔放的藝術(shù)形式所吸引。

Zhang first encountered Wamao in 2012, when he was studying folk art design at Yunnan Arts University. "I was drawn to its expressive artistic form," Zhang said.

自那時起，鉆進老城區(qū)的市集、工地，尋找瓦貓的蹤跡，便成了他生活中的重要內(nèi)容。

Since then, searching for old Wamao has become part of his daily life. He has wandered through old city markets and construction sites, chasing traces of the clay guardians.

2019年，他創(chuàng)立了“心房瓦貓博物館”，開展瓦貓制作、非遺體驗、瓦貓安放儀式、傳統(tǒng)村落游學等活動。

In 2019, Zhang founded the Wamao museum to promote the craft through exhibitions, hands-on classes, and cultural tours. Visitors can take part in Wamao-making workshops, Wamao placement ceremonies, and field trips to traditional villages.

揉陶筑首，搓土成身；陰干定型，入窯燒制。工作間內(nèi)，張航嘗試調(diào)整瓦貓姿態(tài)、改變頭身比例，思索在舊工藝上創(chuàng)造新表達。“瓦貓的肚腩要留空，口尾相通，保留‘吞進不好的、排出有益的’寓意，讓新瓦貓依然肩負傳統(tǒng)的使命。”

In his studio, Zhang mixes clay, shapes the cat's head and body, and then fires it in a kiln after drying. The belly of the cat is left hollow, with its mouth and tail connected, symbolizing the idea of "swallowing evil and releasing blessings." Zhang said the true challenge lies in merging tradition with innovation. "The goal is to help this ancient craft find new meaning in modern society."  

“當老屋倒下，舊時的屋脊或已不復存在。讓瓦貓躍上‘心房’，走入人心，便是我的答案。”張航說。

"As old houses crumble, I hope the chamber of my heart will serve as a new home for Wamao," he said.