Shadow Play Puppets--Fan Lihua Featured

Shadow Play is originated from Zhou and Qin dynasty of ancient China .The colorful manlike and animal patterns are made from donkey-leather or ox-leather. The shadows of these patterns are reflected on the screen of the clothes by the lamp-light to represent actors ,actresses or animals ,such as heroes and horses in the local drama: Qinqiang drama in Shanxi province of west of China. The players of the Shadow Play sing the local drama hiding on the back of the screen of clothes . Shadow Play is one of the earliest cartoon in China.

The process for making the puppets is as follows: Sheep or donkey skin with hair removed is cleaned and treated chemically to become thin enough to be translucent. Coated with tung oil and dried, it is carved into various parts of dramatic figures. The trunk, head and limbs of a puppet are separately carved but joined together by thread so that each part may. be manipulated by the operator to simulate human movements. The leather puppets are painted with various colors to show their different qualities-- kind or wicked, beautiful or ugly. During the performance, the "actors" are held close to a white curtain with their colored shadows cast on it by a strong light from behind. Moved by guiding sticks, they play the roles, accompanied by music, with their parts or singing done by the operators. The plays can be quite dramatic and, when it comes to fairy tales or Kung Fu stories, the "actors" may be made to ride on clouds or perform unusual feats, to the great enjoyment of the audience, especially children.

Fan Lihua is the daughter of General Fan Hong from Xiliang's Han Jiang Pass. As her mother passed away early, and there is only her father and 2 brothers in the family. As she grew up surrounded by men, she developed a straightforward character who is clear on her likes and dislikes. Her husband Xue Dingshan is the son of Tang's Xue Ren Gui, otherwise known as Prince Ping Yuan.

Material: Ox-leather.

Dimensions: 4"3/4x15".

Preparation Time: 2-3 working days

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