Cloisonné enamel
2026-07-24
Hairy Monkey
2026-07-24
Shadow puppetry first appeared in China as early as the pre-Qin era. By the Han Dynasty, it had flourished. In the Tang and Song, it was nothing short of a national craze. Then, in the Yuan Dynasty, it “set sail” beyond China’s borders— sparking a global fascination and earning its title as “the forerunner of cinema.”
Crafting a single shadow puppet takes over a dozen meticulous steps. From the selection of hide to the carving, to the application of color—every stage has its secrets. The finished piece is a marvel of intricate craftsmanship, its hues rich yet translucent. Set behind a lit screen, the puppet glows with jewel-like brilliance, moving with astonishing fluidity— as master performers bring stirring tales to life, one silhouette at a time.
The thousand-year spell of shadow puppetry lies not only in its exquisite artistry, but in the virtuosity of the performer. Hands dance to animate the figures, a voice rises in song and spoken word, while feet work the drums and gongs below. A single person, commanding the stage— channeling the weight of history, the joy and sorrow of a lifetime.
Come to No. 93 Courtyard Museum. Craft your own luminous, richly colored shadow puppet. Dive into the full creative process—scripting, staging, performing. Take this thousand-year-old intangible heritage art and step into the role of director yourself!
