Shadow Puppet Item Number: 3338/22 a-h from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Eight small shadow puppet cloud props. Each cloud is made up of many smaller cumulus-like clouds as well as winding swirls throughout and extending up to a point - outlined in blues, golden oranges, red or black. Parts a and b are the same design, and parts c and d are the same design.
History Of Use
These piyingxi (shadow puppet) clouds are from the classic Chinese narrative, Journey to the West, sometimes known as Monkey King, which is full of action, acrobatics, and martial arts. They represent the clouds for the eight Immortals, who are shown standing on stylized clouds indicating their identities as immortal beings.
Specific Techniques
The cowhide is scraped extremely thin, which together with their jointed limbs, makes these puppets highly flexible when they perform high kicks, jumps, and flips. When performing, their distinctive designs and vibrant colours are visible on the glowing screen, enhancing the magical effects of the characters in motion.
Iconographic Meaning
The puppet is made in a classic north-eastern design (Luanzhou), from Luanzhouzhen in Heibei Province, one of the historically renowned regions of shadow puppetry in China.
Item History
What
- Name
- Shadow Puppet
- Identification Number
- 3338/22 a-h
- Type of Item
- puppet
- Material
- cow skin, watercolour paint and lacquer
- Part A
- height 7.5 cm, width 11.6 cm, depth 0.1 cm
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Creator
- Lu Family (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Lu Family
- Received from
- Lu Family (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Tangshan, Hebei, China
When
- Creation Date
- during 2018
- Ownership Date
- before December 21, 2018
- Acquisition Date
- on December 21, 2018
Other
- Condition
- excellent
- Accession Number
- 3338/00