Chinese folk leather shadow play for Decoration and Recreation

Development History

Shaanxi Shadow play originated from the Han Dynasty ago, which is the shadow of the initial stage, Shadow play is also known as the sheep show,traditional named the head drama, shadow play, donkey shadow. There is legend about it, Two thousand years ago,Emperor Hanwu’s concubine Li was died for when she was die for disease.This is a great shock to Emperor Hanwu,he always is in a trance, thinking of his lover and neglect to handled their daily affairs. One day, Secretary of Li Shaoweng walked out the house and crossed a child playing a doll, he see the reflection of the doll in the water is vivid, he suddenly had a brainstorm and made a doll as same as concubine Li painted it. when he presented it to Emperor Hanwu,he is very happy and hardly tear myself away from it.

This story is considered the first historical origin of Shadow play.Morden shadow play are evolving into based on amusement, supplemented by appreciation.but now it remains based on appreciation, supplemented by amusement.The future shadows will pay more attention to emphasize the static artistic value through the arrangement of the scene, the role of expression, rich colors,etc. Chinese government attaches great importance to the protection of intangible cultural heritage, so the shadow play is listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage on May 20, 2006 though the Council approved.