Framed Chinese Shadow Puppet, Painted Hide

Updated September 17, 2026

This finely articulated shadow puppet captures a costumed figure mid-stride, rendered in pierced and painted hide with vivid touches of red, black, and gold. Jointed at the arms and legs with visible control rods, it reflects the centuries-old Chinese tradition of shadow puppetry (piying), a folk art form dating back over a thousand years in which translucent hide figures were manipulated behind a lit screen to perform classical operas, legends, and folk tales. Skilled artisans hand-cut and painted each figure, often piercing intricate floral and geometric motifs into the robe to allow light to pass through during performance — detail that survives beautifully here even outside its original performance context. Age is difficult to pinpoint precisely without documentation, but the craftsmanship and condition suggest a piece of some antiquity, likely mid-19th century or earlier. Puppet: 9" H Frame: 12½" x 10½" Dimensions: H: 12.5", W: 10.5"

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