Buoyed by centuries of cultural legacy, Mu Guiying, the legendary heroine from China's Northern Song Dynasty, takes center stage in the ongoing Dian Xi Yi Ben – Shadow Puppetry and Contemporary Art Exhibition at the Nanchizi Museum in Beijing. Known for her bravery and intelligence, Mu Guiying remains a symbol of steadfast womanhood in Chinese culture, inspiring generations across millennia.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is \"Peach Blossom Horse,\" crafted by Wang Haiyan, a fourth-generation inheritor of Wang's shadow puppetry tradition. This impressive 3.8-meter-tall shadow puppet of Mu Guiying showcases her in full armor, brandishing a long spear that exudes an imposing and heroic presence. The intricate hollowed-out paper cuttings technique allows light to pass through the decorative windows, enhancing the puppet’s majestic and magnificent appearance.
The fusion of traditional shadow puppetry with contemporary artistic expression offers visitors a unique glimpse into China's rich folklore, reimagined through the lens of modern artistry. As the exhibition continues to draw crowds, attendees are not only witnessing the enduring legacy of Mu Guiying but also celebrating the innovative spirit of contemporary Chinese artists.
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The image of legendary heroine Mu Guiying in shadow puppetry artwork
cgtn.com
