Chinese Class - Preface

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Preface

The Chinese shadow puppetry is an ancient art form that traces its earliest origins to the imperial Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.). Over the centuries, it first underwent a burgeoning development during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and then a major revival in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911).
It continued to evolve throughout the last millennium and became popular in many parts of the country. This shadow puppet theatre has gained recognition as a unique theatrical form with distinct regional variations. Quite different from other forms of puppetry, the characters and props for the
shadow puppet theatre are made from animal skins, treated to become translucent, then intricately carved and vividly painted, each with separate and movable parts. The performers manipulate the puppets and props behind a screen with light projected behind the puppets onto the screen, often
accompanied by singing and music, with audiences watching in front of the screen. As the puppets and props are made of thin and light-weighted materials, they will fit in one easy-to-carry box, ideal for a traveling vagrant performer. Its popularity, spanning the vast regions of China, owes as
much to this portability as to the variety of colorful characters and extensive repertoire.

The Chinese shadow puppetry is unique also in the sense that it combines the rich tradition of Chinese folk art such as paper-cut with the indigenous theatre, capturing the basic elements of the popular folk entertainment. As a form of theatre, it however relies primarily on two-dimensional
characters, which is unparalleled anywhere in the world. It is credited as the earliest origin for motion picture story telling.

We hope this exhibition will bring you enjoyment and a sampling of the rich traditions of Chinese folk art and that you may come to appreciate the enchanting qualities of shadow puppetry which as a form of folk theatre is till very much alive today.

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