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Shadow Puppet

MOA: University of British Columbia

3338/18 a-c

Lan Caihe shadow puppet with separate head (part b) and basket of flowers (part c). Depicted with a cutout face. They wear a full-length red robe decorated with circular floral decorations, and their hair is tied up in a bun, which is wrapped in a green scarf and tied with red ribbon. They wear black shoes with green cloud-like designs on the toes and heels, and red edging. Limbs jointed with fibre at the shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips. Operated by three rods. Basket of flowers has a handle, which extends down into a tripod stand. There is one large red flower, smaller red or yellow flowers and lots of green leaves. There is a small loop for the puppet's fingers.

  • 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 Lan Caihe 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.

  • 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.

  • Type of Item puppet
  • Culture Chinese
  • Material cow skin, watercolour paint, fibre, bamboo grass, lacquer, steel metal
  • Measurements height 59.0 cm, width 7.5 cm, depth 1.0 cm (overall) height 13.0 cm, width 10.0 cm, depth 0.1 cm (part c)
  • Creator Lu Family
  • Previous Owner Lu Family
  • Received from Lu Family, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget
  • Made in Tangshan
  • Creation Date during 2018
  • Ownership Date before December 21, 2018
  • Acquisition Date on December 21, 2018
  • Condition excellent
  • Accession Number 3338/0018 a-c

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