piyingxi (Shadow Puppet)

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 of the female protagnist.

Dan or leading female archetype. Sings "small" according to opera archetype, similar to the "dan" role. Hairstyle of long ponytail indicates she is unmarried.

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.

Shadow puppet head (female protagonist character; Yang saga). Flat head made from semi-translucent cut, punched and painted hide. The face is cutout with fine facial features and is outlined in black. She wears a small ornate headdress of a phoenix over a long black ponytail with a red tie. The headdress alternates green and red with some yellow. Two large red flowers border her face, and long red tassels hanging by her chin. A small butterfly(?) sits in her hair. A long neck acts as a tab to insert into the collar of a body.