Shadow Puppet

MOA: University of British Columbia

3322/11 a-b

Shadow puppet of the district magistrate (part a) with detached head (part b). Made of paper which has been cut and painted to depict the magistrate in a purple outfit with an ornate red, white, olive green and black chiseled or punched out section on the front of his shirt, as well as the shirttail and down one pant leg. The face is mainly an outline with a long black beard extending down, and his black hair tied back in a headdress(?). Operated by three rods. Joints at the shoulders, elbows, hands, waist, and knees. '11' is painted on the collar.

  • Narrative

    This set of puppets (3322/1-30) was a gift to Muriel King in 1935. "Donated in memory of our mother, Muriel Wallace Burnaby King, from Catherine Christou & Robin King."


  • Type of Item puppet
  • Culture Chinese
  • Material paper, paint, fibre, bamboo grass, metal
  • Measurements height 29.0 cm, width 10.0 cm, depth 1.4 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Kitty Christou
  • Received from Kitty Christou

  • Made in China

  • Creation Date before 1935
  • Collection Date during 1935
  • Ownership Date before October 28, 2018
  • Acquisition Date on October 28, 2018

  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3322/0011 a-b