Sheet 5 of figures for Chinese shadow puppets 1845 - 1855

This is Sheet 5 of figures for Chinese shadow puppets, made in the 1800s by Juan Llorens. It’s made using ink on paper – a simple combination of materials, yet capable of producing evocative images. The strong contrast of black ink against the paper creates striking silhouettes, perfect for shadow puppetry. Look closely, and you’ll see that each figure and object is carefully outlined, giving them a distinct presence when projected. The process of creating these puppets would have involved meticulous cutting and shaping of the paper. These shapes would have then been mounted, ready to be brought to life by skilled puppeteers. It’s easy to imagine the amount of work involved in producing a whole cast of characters and their props. These were for ‘Chinese’ shadow puppets, but made by a Spanish artist, reflecting how cultures encounter each other, especially across class divides. In the end, the real magic is in the making and performance of the puppets, transforming simple materials into captivating stories.