Material:cowhide

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 large, traditional Chinese hand-painted shadow play called "Ancient Beauty 1".

It showcases the rich cultural significance and historical context of ancient China.

Shadow plays are an ancient art form that involve hand-drawn characters performing on a screen.

This art form has a long history in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

A shadow play typically involves a group of actors who wear elaborate costumes and hold props while using body movements and facial expressions to tell a story.

These actors require a high level of skill and coordination to ensure the performance flows smoothly and cohesively.

This artwork is renowned for its exquisite hand-painted details and unique style.

The artists have spent considerable time and effort creating each character's image, showcasing their personality and emotions through meticulous depiction and color use.

Viewers can gain insight into the unique aspects of ancient Chinese culture by appreciating these artworks and experiencing the profound historical significance they embody.

Furthermore, this artwork holds symbolic meaning.

The characters in a shadow play often represent different social classes, professions, or identities.

By observing these images, viewers can contemplate changes in societal structures and values as well as the diverse ways people express beauty and pursue it.

In conclusion, this large traditional Chinese hand-painted shadow play is an impressive work of art that displays the rich cultural significance and historical context of ancient China.

Through appreciating these artworks, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the unique aspects of ancient Chinese culture and experience the profound historical significance it embodies.

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