The Art of Chinese Silhouette

The Art of Silhouette, known in China as Leather-cut Shadow Show or Piying Xi, dates back over 2000 years to the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220). Legend has it that Emperor Wudi had been so deeply attached to his mistress Madame Li that upon her death, he was struck with immense grief. He then had her portrait painted and hung in his court, which nonetheless did not ease his sorrow if had not made it worse.

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