Han Xiangzi shadow puppet with separate head (part b) and dizi (flute) (part c). Limbs jointed with fibre at the shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips. Operated by three rods. Flute has ten notches and 9 holes, and is tied at one end with a green ribbon. There is a small loop for the puppet's fingers.

• Specific Techniques

  The cowhide is scraped extremely thin which, together with their jointed limbs, makes these puppets highly flexible when they perform high kicks, jumps, and flips. When performing, their distinctive designs and vibrant colours are visible on the glowing screen, enhancing the magical effects of the characters in motion.

• History Of Use

  Represents the Han Xiangzi character, one of the Eight Immortals. This piyingxi (shadow puppet) character is from the classic Chinese narrative, “Journey to the West,” sometimes known as “Monkey King,” which is full of action, acrobatics, and martial arts. Puppets 3338/8-20 represent the four main characters (Pigsy, Monkey King, Sandman, Buddhist Monk), their horse, and the Eight Immortals, who are associated with the stylized clouds (3338/21-22), which indicate their identities as immortal beings.

• Iconographic Meaning

  The puppet is made in a classic north-eastern design (Luanzhou), from Luanzhouzhen in Heibei Province, one of the historically renowned regions of shadow puppetry in China.

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• Type of Item puppet
• Culture Chinese
• Material cow skin, watercolour paint, lacquer, bamboo grass, steel metal, fibre
• Measurements height 59.8 cm, width 11.0 cm, depth 1.0 cm (overall)

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• Creator Lu Family
• Previous Owner Lu Family
• Received from Lu Family, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget

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• Made in Tangshan

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• Creation Date during 2018
• Ownership Date before December 21, 2018
• Acquisition Date on December 21, 2018

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• Condition excellent
• Accession Number 3338/0019 a-c