piyingxi (Shadow Puppet)
About this object
History of use
Represents the Han Xiangzi character, one of the Eight Immortals. This piyingxi (shadow puppet) character is from the classic Chinese narrative, “Journey to the West,” sometimes known as “Monkey King,” which is full of action, acrobatics, and martial arts. Puppets 3338/8-20 represent the four main characters (Pigsy, Monkey King, Sandman, Buddhist Monk), their horse, and the Eight Immortals, who are associated with the stylized clouds (3338/21-22), which indicate their identities as immortal beings.
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.
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.
Physical description
Materials
Cow skin Watercolour paint Lacquer Fibre Bamboo grass Steel metal
Date Made
2018
Date Acquired
21 Dec 2018
How Acquired
Sold
Measurements
Overall: 59.8 cm x 11 cm x 1 cm
Object Number
3338/19 a-c