piyingxi (Shadow Puppet)
About this object
Narrative
Cultural context
The long and vibrant tradition of shadow puppetry suffered during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976 CE) because it was seen to glorify the imperial past.
Iconographic meaning
With her elegant dress and hairstyle, this shadow puppet depicts a high-status young woman. Her flowing red gown is incised with a peony pattern, which symbolizes wealth and honour. On her feet are 'lotus shoes' - another symbol of social status, gender, and prosperity - denoting foot-binding, a practice that was discontinued in the late 19th / early 20th century.
Physical description
A shadow puppet of a female (parts a-b) with a her black hair up in a bun and decorated with red flowers with leaves. Wearing clothing that is decorated in dark floral print on a red background. Wire is coiled around the neck. Joined in the shoulder, elbow, waist, hips, hands, and fingers with rivets.