China: Chinese Shadow Play Figures - two warriors; Qianlong Set, c. 1780. Shadow play (Chinese: 皮影戏, pí yĭng xì) or shadow puppetry is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment using opaque, often articulated figures in front of an illuminated backdrop to create the illusion of moving images. It is popular in various cultures. At present, more than 20 countries are known to have shadow show troupes. Shadow puppetry originated during the Han Dynasty when one of the concubines of Emperor Wu of Han died from an illness.

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