Traditional Chinese Shadow Puppetry: A Series of Books on Traditional Chinese Handicraft Culture

Author: Shen Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Have you heard of shadow puppetry while living in a modern city? Have you ever watched a shadow puppet show? As early as the Southern Song Dynasty, shadow puppetry was at its peak, with enthusiasts' passion rivaling that of today's music and film fans. But now, it seems like a withered old man in the setting sun, stirring hearts with a sense of melancholy. This book will detail the history and origins of shadow puppetry, as well as its production methods, performance styles, and the distinctive features of shadow puppets from different regions. Let us revisit this shared cultural memory of the people together!
From striking a stone slab, human civilization has advanced step by step through the relentless labor of human hands, presenting the colorful world we see today. In the three centuries since industrialization, we have entrusted too much work to machines. Yet, machine-made products are often too rigid and uniform. When surrounded by these mass-produced items, we suddenly realize that life has lost its spirit, beauty, and classical charm. As a result, more and more people are beginning to seek out the tools and utensils handmade and used by their ancestors. Porcelain fragments, jade pendants, silver hairpins, wooden objects—blocks of wood carving, purple clay teapots, even bricks and tiles—all have been meticulously crafted by our ancestors with their hands, retaining their warmth and bearing the marks of our nation's heritage. When encountered occasionally, they are cherished like treasures, bringing immense joy and solace in the process of searching and handling them.
Traditional handicrafts are a vital part of China's excellent cultural heritage. Chinese jade, silk, lacquerware, porcelain, and Ming and Qing furniture are among the finest handicrafts in the world, achieving remarkable accomplishments in both craftsmanship and aesthetic artistry. However, in the long-standing Confucian culture that emphasized principles over objects, the making of utensils was always regarded as a mere trivial skill, unworthy of mention in grand occasions. In official records and historical chronicles throughout the ages, the achievements and contributions of artisans are rarely recorded, and when they are, it is only in a few brief sentences or, worse, not mentioned at all. Among the relatively detailed historical texts available for reference are only a handful, such as the Rites of Zhou: Examination of the Winter Officials and the Treatise on the Mysterious Arts of Nature.
Compiling this series of Traditional Chinese Handicraft Culture Books is an invitation to readers to return to the countryside, visit handicraft workshops, meet artisans and collectors, and listen to the legendary stories behind the scenes.