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Pi Ying Xi, as Silhouette Shows are also called, are deemed to have been carried over thousands of years. It is a type of drama which has its roots in China. It originated during the Han Dynasty and blossomed during the supportive Tang Dynasty. It reached its pinnacle during the Song Dynasty. Silhouette Show requires a lot of vocal talents and the artisans' skill in also put to test. Even in its early years its popularity spread to different parts of Asia and even to Europe. Silhouette Show is extremely popular among the Chinese. It involves the projection of shadows of leather-silhouettes on a screen using light. The movement of the shadows is followed by songs and music. Silhouette objects are usually made of cattle hide or donkey hide. After the hide is polished, it is carved and subsequently painted. The skill of the artisan lies in being able to impart a distinct personality to each of his characters. Some famous Silhouette shows are Princess Wencheng Enters Tibet, Competing to become the Bridegroom, Traveling the West Lake and Imperial Concubine Yang.
The history about Silhouette Show:
Legend has it that Emperor Wudi of the Western Han was depressed with the death of his favorite concubine Lady Li. To help him get over the sadness, an occultist sculptured a wooden figure in the likeness of the lady and projected its shadow on a curtain for the emperor to see, bringing him consolation with the belief that the shadow was her spirit. This has been thought to be the beginning of the shadow show. The shadow show became quite popular as early as the Song Dynasty when holidays were marked by the presentation of many shadow plays. During the Ming, there were 40 to 50 shadow show troupes in the city of Beijing alone. In the 13th century the shadow show became a regular recreation in the barracks of the Mongolian troops. It was spread by the conquering Mongols to distant countries like Persia, Arabia and Turkey. Later, it was introduced to Southeastern Asian countries, too. Today's shadow puppets are made of leather instead of wood for the simple reason that leather is much lighter, easier to manipulate and carry round.
How to make the puppets:
Sheep or donkey skin with hair removed is cleaned and treated chemically to become thin enough to be translucent. Coated with oil and dried, it is carved into various parts of dramatic figures. The trunk, head and limbs of a puppet are separately carved but joined together by thread so that each part may manipulate by the operator to simulate human movements. The leather puppets are painted with various colors to show their different qualities-- kind or wicked, beautiful or ugly. During the performance, the "actors" are held close to a white curtain with their colored shadows cast on it by a strong light from behind. Moved by guiding sticks, they play the roles, accompanied by music, with their parts or singing done by the operators.