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Shadow Puppet

MOA: University of British Columbia

3338/12

White Dragon Horse shadow puppet. White horse with intricate cutout pattern indicative of Luanzhou style. The horse has a large red saddle with green border, and a red and yellow blanket underneath. Behind the saddle is a flower decoration and small red with blue tassels. The bridle is red with green tassels, and a black sash extends around the horse's shoulders. The mane and tail are black. Both eyes are visible. Limbs jointed with fibre at the legs and tail. Operated by one rod.

  • History Of Use

    White Dragon Horse character, associated with the Tang Seng (Buddhist Monk) character. 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.

  • 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, lacquer, fibre, bamboo grass
  • Measurements height 52.0 cm, width 40.0 cm, depth 1.0 cm (overall)
  • 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
  • Current Location Case 83
  • Accession Number 3338/0012

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