Precursor of Modern Cinema; Originated 2000 Years Ago As some may call it the precursor of modern cinema, Chinese shadow play originated 2000 years ago during the Han Dynasty in Shanxi Province. It is a drama play where the performer manipulates the puppets behind the screen while singing the libretto along with music to tell the story. The overall artistic impact of the play is produced by the lighting, the screen, the music, the singing and of course the operation of the puppets. Involves 20 Different Crafting Procedures Puppet is the focal point of the play, and its vivid facial expression, detailed costumes and sophisticated mix of colors, making the puppet a piece of exquisite artwork. Shanxi Puppet is made of ox or donkey skin, and is dyed layer by layer with various bright and shiny colors. The very detailed Shanxi puppet may take up to a few days to finish as the crafting of it involves as much as 20 different separate procedures. "Chinese shadow puppets are rather different from their Indonesian and Turkish relatives. They are very delicate items, normally made from donkey skin and decorated with cut-out designs and translucent dyes. They are usually so thin that the colors as well as the outline are displayed on the screen. Unlike both Javanese and Turkish shadow theatre there was a very wide range of Chinese characters to perform in many different plays, whether military, religious or simple folk tales!" Bill Douglas Centre, History of Cinema and Popular Culture, UK * Item #:SXXAPY106 * Measurements: Vertical Length 5 inches * Weight: 50g * Material: Ox Leather * Condition: Brand New ~ Browse Interact China for over 50+ titles in Shadow Puppet and other Wood Crafts Art ~ *** THIS IS 100% HAND CRAFTED AND PAINTED BY SHANXI MASTER, NOT A REPRODUCTION ***