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.

Rich Artistic Connotation & Historical Background:

This artwork is a traditional Chinese hand-painted shadow play called "The Legend of the White Snake".

It tells a romantic and mysterious story about the love between Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian.

The artwork is famous for its exquisite details, rich colors, and superb craftsmanship.

In the picture, we can see a beautiful woman holding an umbrella with a gorgeous dress and a flower crown on her head.

Her image is lifelike, as if she could step out of the frame at any moment.

There are also other characters and scenes in the background, such as a bridge, a forest, and a river.

These elements together create a vivid picture that makes us feel like we are part of the story.

This artwork is not only a piece of art but also a cultural inheritance and expression.

By depicting the love story between Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian, it conveys people's yearning for love, loyalty, and courage.

At the same time, it also showcases some traditional elements of ancient Chinese culture, such as myths, costumes, and architectural styles.

In conclusion, this traditional Chinese hand-painted shadow play "The Legend of the White Snake" is highly praised for its exquisite artistic expression and rich cultural connotations.

It is not only a work of art but also a symbol and inheritance of Chinese culture.

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