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Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
The ancient Chinese art of shadow puppetry, a unique form of traditional folk performance, has thrived within the historic walls of the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, east China's Shandong Province. Recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, Kong Family Mansion shadow puppetry seamlessly weaves local culture into its performances, captivating audiences with both its visual artistry and the rich traditions of the region.
Shadow puppets made from donkey hide are pictured at the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, Shandong Province. /CGTN
Shadow puppets made from donkey hide are pictured at the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, Shandong Province. /CGTN
With over 500 years of history, Shandong shadow puppetry is a deeply rooted tradition, and the form of puppetry from the Kong Family Mansion holds particular historical and cultural value. In 2011, Chinese shadow puppetry was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its global significance.
The revival of shadow puppet performances at the Kong Family Mansion is a nod to its ancient heritage, with several daily shows now staged at its Shadow Puppetry Theater. One such classic performance, "Frog, Crane and Turtle," tells a simple yet engaging tale of wit and rivalry between the three animals near a pond.
A shadow puppet of Tan, an avaricious beast in ancient Chinese legend who can swallow gold and silver treasures, is pictured at the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, Shandong Province. /CGTN
A shadow puppet made from donkey hide, modeled after a stone sculpture from the Kong Family Mansion, is pictured in Qufu, Shandong Province. /CGTN
In 2023, a new production based on a mural in the inner courtyards of the mansion, depicting an avaricious beast in legend, debuted to wide acclaim. The mural was a warning to the world to not be greedy or covetous. A series of shadow puppetry-themed cultural products have also been created, allowing visitors to engage more closely with the art through interactive experiences and hands-on workshops, offering a deeper connection to Confucian culture.