Origin:Shanxi of China

Handmade by the Chinese traditional craftsmen who have been making shadowplay for over 40 years

Chinese Shadow,which can also be called "Chinese Shadow Play or Chinese Shadow Puppet play", is one of the most ancient genre of drama in China. It came into being in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D.220) and has more than two thousand years'history.

Chinese shadow artists first carve out the lines of the design and then dye them in bright colors. These transparent leather puppets become very lively and beautiful under the lantern light. With strong local characteristics, the shadow puppets are folk handiworks and a wisdom crystallization of Chinese shadow play artists through the ages. The artistic effect of the play is produced through light, screen, music, singing, and puppet operation. The shadow play is widely stated " a magic, lightning-like art" and win people's high praise in many countrys'visit.

The puppets,known as Piying or "skin silhouettes" are made of animal skins.The shadow puppets of Shaanxi Province are elegant,simple,and classically beautirul,perhaps because the province was the capital of Qin,Han,Sui,and Tang dynasties.And puppet makers in Shanxi paid special attention to the eyes because they are the most telling revealers of character.

Artistic & Historical Background:   Listen to it

The artwork is a handmade wooden sculpture of a traditional Chinese shadow puppet character named "Emperor Ba Wang."

It represents a unique form of art in ancient Chinese culture, known as shadow play.

Shadow play is an art form that tells stories through projected images on a screen, often featuring puppets, paper or cloth figures.

This art form has a long tradition in Chinese history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).

The wooden sculpture was crafted with intricate details and masterful techniques, showcasing the artist's attention to detail and respect for traditional art forms.

Its design may have been inspired by the image of an emperor, as "Ba Wang" is a title of respect for the emperor.

This art form is not only visually appealing but also carries rich historical and cultural significance.

In modern society, with the development of technology and the diversification of entertainment options, traditional shadow play may be gradually overlooked by people.

However, this wooden sculpture serves as a reminder to cherish and preserve these ancient cultural and artistic forms.

They are an essential part of our national culture and a testament to the wisdom of our ancestors.

By appreciating and learning from these works of art, we can better understand and experience the charm of Chinese traditional culture.

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