Serenity and calm are not typically the first words that come to mind when describing Donald Trump. Yet, in a Chinese artisan's workshop, the former U.S. president sits cross-legged in a divine meditation pose.
This porcelain version of the Republican billionaire, transformed into a Buddha, is the work of designer and sculptor Hong Jinshi. These figurines, sold for prices ranging from 140 to 2,600 euros depending on their size, became a sensation in 2021 on Tabao, a Chinese online shopping platform.
As Trump’s second inauguration approached on January 20, these statues saw a renewed surge in popularity. "There was a spike in interest in the days following his election," Hong Jinshi told AFP. Originally, the artist had created these figures as a humorous project.
The 47-year-old sculptor says he has sold hundreds of these figurines over the years. Buyers are amused because, as he puts it, "Trump’s personality and the calm demeanor of the statue are polar opposites."
Each figurine is packaged with a box bearing the Mandarin phrase "Make Your Business Great Again"—a playful nod to Donald Trump’s famous slogan, "Make America Great Again."
Copies of the statues have even appeared on U.S. e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Temu, where they are sold for prices as high as 40 euros.
Elon Musk as Iron Man
"It’s always fun to poke a bit of fun at authority figures and celebrities," says Hong Jinshi, sitting barefoot in his minimally decorated workshop.
With his shaved head, soft-spoken voice, and flowing white attire, the artist himself contrasts sharply with the eccentric subjects of his sculptures.
Recently, Hong created another equally satirical figure of an American icon: Elon Musk, a controversial supporter of Donald Trump who is rumored to play a key role in the new administration.
The billionaire is depicted as Iron Man, the Marvel superhero clad in a massive metallic suit. But in Hong’s version, a large rocket emerges from Musk’s midsection, symbolizing the SpaceX founder’s galactic ambitions.
Despite the irony, Hong admits he has great admiration for Musk. Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle company, is hugely popular in China and operates a massive factory in Shanghai.
"Musk’s rockets are incredible; he has drastically reduced their costs," Hong says. "He has achieved as an entrepreneur what some entire countries can’t even accomplish."
"Still as Funny as Ever"
Hong Jinshi refuses to comment on Donald Trump’s policies toward China, a sensitive topic in a country where freedom of expression is tightly controlled.
During his campaign, the Republican candidate adopted a tough stance on Beijing, vowing to increase tariffs on Chinese imports. Trump had already imposed steep tariffs during his first term, measures largely upheld by his successor, Joe Biden.
The former U.S. president also angered Chinese officials with his rhetoric, blaming Beijing for the decline of American industries and repeatedly referring to COVID-19 as the "China virus."
However, Trump has his share of admirers in China. "I think he’s still as funny as ever," says Hong. "When he was president, there were funny stories about him every day."
Despite their popularity, Hong’s Trump statues are no longer available on Chinese e-commerce platforms, as the listings have been removed. The sculptor speculates that the works may have been deemed offensive by Buddhists.
Still, orders continue to pour in from tourists visiting his workshop or through friends and acquaintances. Hong offers a simple explanation: "Trump is a personality with many stories to tell."
With AFP
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