UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritages in China (II) (2)

Chinese shadow puppetry

The item, "Chinese shadow puppetry" was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011.

Chinese shadow puppetry is a form of theatre acted by colorful silhouette figures made from leather or paper, accompanied by music and singing.

Manipulated by puppeteers using rods, the figures create the illusion of moving images on a translucent cloth screen illuminated from behind.

Shadow plays are performed by large troupes with seven to nine performers and smaller troupes of only two to five, primarily for entertainment or religious rituals, weddings and funerals and other special occasions. Some puppeteers are professional, while others are amateurs performing during slack farming seasons.