Enchanted Stories: Chinese Shadow Theater in Shaanxi
老故事：陕西皮影艺术

The first shadow puppet exhibition in the United States, this exhibition presented rare shadow puppets dating to the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Approximately ninety translucent and dramatically colored puppets made of animal hide were presented thematically through famous Chinese legends and characters, such as A Journey to the West, Madam White Snake, and The Twice-Visited Netherworld. By showing these perfectly preserved shadow puppets on light boxes, the exhibition revealed the distinctive style and technical advancement of late Qing dynasty craftsmanship. As one of the most beloved forms of folk entertainment in China, the puppets and their fascinating stories explored the history and life of the Chinese throughout the centuries.