Shadow Puppet Item Number: 3338/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Shadow puppet head (male protagonist character; Yang saga). Flat head made from semi-translucent cut, punched and painted hide. The head is of a young leading male archetype character. The face is cutout and outlined in black with fine features. He wears an ornate black headdress decorated with small dragons, large orange and red tassels, and a large red and a green pompom as well as many small pompoms. A long neck acts as a tab to insert into the collar of a body.
History Of Use
The Chinese shadow figure body 3338/1 (pt a) is designed for interchangeable heads (3338/2-7). Each head represents one of the five common archetypes of the Yang saga: female protagonist, male protagonist, warrior (painted face), bearded man, and clown. This example is the Male protagonist.
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
Leading male archetype. Sings according to "sheng" male character role. Headdress denotes a grand character status.
Item History
What
- Name
- Shadow Puppet
- Identification Number
- 3338/2
- Type of Item
- puppet
- Material
- cow skin, watercolour paint and lacquer
- Overall
- height 23.0 cm, width 17.5 cm, depth 0.2 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
- 3338/0002