Lu Dongbin shadow puppet with a separate head (part b) and fly-whisk (part c). His face is cutout, and outlined in black. He has a long, pointed black beard. He wears a blue scarf(?) on his head with the yin yang symbol. Dressed in olive green full-length robes with wide sleeves and decorated with the yin yang symbol. He is depicted with a sword on his back, black with a green hilt and red handle, and two red tassels hanging down. He wears black shoes, with green decorations on the toes and heels, and red edging. Limbs jointed with fibre at the shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips. Operated by three rods. The fly-whisk has a thin blue shaft, and then tied to the end is a length of hair(?) or feather(?). 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.

• 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.

• History Of Use

  Represents the Lu Dongbin 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.

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• Type of Item puppet
• Culture Chinese
• Material cow skin, fibre, watercolour paint, bamboo grass, steel metal, lacquer
• Measurements height 56.0 cm, width 7.5 cm, depth 1.0 cm (overall) height 11.5 cm, width 5.0 cm, depth 0.2 cm (part c)

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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 3338/0016 a-c