A Chinese sculptor, Hong Jinshi, has created a series of porcelain figures depicting Donald Trump in a serene, Buddha-like pose. The statues have gained viral attention since their release in 2021, with renewed interest ahead of Trump’s second-term inauguration. Despite their playful nature, the statues have sparked a mix of admiration and controversy, with many finding humor in the contrast between Trump’s bold persona and the calm, meditative figure.
BY PC Bureau
Donald Trump is not typically known for his calm or reserved demeanor, but in a craftsman’s workshop in rural China, the US president-elect is depicted in a rare moment of divine contemplation. Cross-legged, eyes half-closed in a pose evoking the Buddha, this porcelain version of America’s divisive leader-in-waiting is the creation of designer and sculptor Hong Jinshi.
According to an AFP report, the Zen-like figures—created by Hong, who sells them for between 999 and 20,000 yuan (approximately US$140 to $2,700) depending on the size—first gained national attention in 2021 when they went viral on the e-commerce platform Taobao. As Trump’s second-term inauguration approaches, these quirky sculptures have become highly sought after once again.
VIDEO: Donald Trump is not typically known for his calm or reserve, but in a craftsman's workshop in rural China the US president-elect sits in divine contemplation. pic.twitter.com/tPKFPFCX7r
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 13, 2025
“In the days after he won the election, there was a lot of interest,” Hong said, explaining that he originally designed the statues as a joke. “Politicians are usually so boring, while [Trump] is this massive online figure who often says fantastical things,” Hong, 47, told AFP.
Since then, Hong estimates that he has sold hundreds of these ceramic creations. The statues often make customers smile due to the contrast between Trump’s bold personality and the serene, Buddha-like form of the statue. Each figure is packaged with the Chinese phrase “Make your company great again,” a playful twist on Trump’s famous slogan.
Copycat versions of the statues have even appeared on U.S. shopping platforms like Amazon and the Chinese-owned Temu, retailing for up to $45.
“It’s a good laugh to poke some fun at authority figures and famous people,” Hong said, sitting barefoot on the floor of his minimalist studio. His loose white clothing, shaved head, and calm demeanor are in stark contrast to the boldness of his creations.
Hong has recently begun working on a similar effigy of another prominent American figure: Elon Musk. His version portrays Musk in the style of Marvel’s Iron Man, complete with a large rocket protruding from the SpaceX CEO’s groin—symbolizing his galactic ambitions. Despite the playful nature of his work, Hong expressed admiration for Musk’s achievements, particularly his ability to reduce the cost of space travel and achieve what an entire country cannot.
While Hong refrained from commenting on Trump’s policies towards China, a sensitive topic in the country, many expect U.S.-China relations to deteriorate further after Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Trump’s tough stance on Beijing during his campaign, including vows for higher tariffs, has caused tensions, especially following his earlier trade war with China and his labeling of COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus.”
Chinese artist cashes in on Buddha-like Trump statues.
Donald Trump is not typically known for his calm or reserve, but in a craftsman's workshop in rural China the US president-elect sits in divine contemplationhttps://t.co/q99Y4n8Lzv pic.twitter.com/Us1kJnpLqM
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 13, 2025
Despite the political tensions, Hong mentioned that Trump remains popular in China. “I still think he’s just as funny as before,” he said. “Every day there’s interesting news when he’s president.”
Although Hong no longer sells his Trump statues on Chinese sites after they were removed—possibly due to concerns that the statues were offensive to Buddhists—orders continue to come in from tourists visiting his workshop and from friends and acquaintances.
“With his second election, the sculpture has exploded in popularity once more,” Hong said. “Perhaps it’s because Trump is someone with a lot of backstory
