TREASURE OF CHINESE ARTS -- SHADOW PLAY

More than 2000 years ago, the Chinese learned to use light and shadow skillfully to illuminate the stage so that certain visual effects could be achieved. This art is what we now call shadow play. Also called leather-silhouette show or lamp shadow play, it is one of the Chines folk arts and is also honored to be one of the intangible cultural heritages of China.

Origin

The origin of shadow play is said to be related to a sad love story. When his concubine Lady Li died, Emperor Wu of Han was deeply grieved. His minister, Li Shaoweng, saw a child playing with a puppet in his hand on the roadside with his shadow reflected on the ground. Inspired by that, Li Shaoweng cut an image of Lady Li by cotton cloth. Surrounded by square curtains and candles, Lady Li's shadow was suddenly fresh on the curtain, which solved Emperor Wu's pain of missing.

History

Full developed in Song Dynasty, shadow play finally reached its peak in Qing Dynasty. In the last several decades, it almost disappeared as TV series and movies attracting more audience. But now, with modifying and improvement made by these performers, it comes back.

Performance

During the performance, artists control shadow puppets behind the curtain, sing stories with local popular tunes, accompanied by instruments, which is full of strong local flavor. Shadow play is popular in China and since China has a vast territory, shadow puppets vary from region to region, each one has its own characteristics.

Development, improvement and carrier

The improved shadow play shines by carriers such as dancing, phone covers, screens, lamps and tableware. These modern items combining intangible culture are real arts. Elegant and unique, they set the trend. They enrich our lives and help us acquire a better taste for arts. The shadow play in the Spring Festival Gala in 2006 once became a modern art which attracted people of all ages.

Manufacturing process

The production of shadow play is very complicated. Most of them are made of donkey or cattle leather. The processes are different in different parts of China, but they can be divided into several steps, such as Crop – Polish – Paint – Carve – Color – Iron – Bind and form.

Summary

Shadow plays are infused with ingenuity, simplicity, tradition and fashion. Artists carry forward the culture from generation to generation. Because of love, to practice skilled skills; Because of love, just play deeply moving. Let us jointly protect this cultural classic – shadow play!