Shadow puppet head (painted face male protagonist character; Yang saga). Flat head made from semi-translucent cut, punched and painted hide. The face is cutout and outlined in black. He has wrinkles, large bushy brows, big round eyes and a long pointed black beard. He wears an ornate black headdress with red, green and yellow. The headdress is decorated with a large green pompom, a large red pompom and then many smaller pompoms as well as dragons. Two long red with yellow and green tassels extend down from the headdress. A long neck acts as a tab to insert into the collar of a body.

• History Of Use

  The Chinese shadow figure body 3338/1 (pt a) is designed for interchangeable heads (3338/2-7). Each head represents one of the five common archetypes of the Yang saga: female protagonist, male protagonist, warrior (painted face), bearded man, and clown. This example is of the painted face male protagonist.

• 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.

• Iconographic Meaning

  Jing leading male archetype. Facial features and beard indicate the character's treachery.

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• Type of Item puppet
• Culture Chinese
• Material cow skin, watercolour paint, lacquer
• Measurements height 32.0 cm, width 19.5 cm, depth 0.2 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 3338/0004