Javanese Shadow Puppets

by Ward Keeler

Few art forms in the world appear as exotic as Javanese shadow plays, in which flat leather puppets cast shadows upon a screen. The figures are intricately cut and painted, and one puppeteer controls all their movements and enacts all their voices for the night-long performance. The puppeteer is believed to possess great amounts of mystical power, and the art form he transmits enjoys more prestige than many of Java's other performing arts. How can...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195885856
• ISBN13: 9780195885859
• Release Date: November 1992
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Show It With Shadows

In this imaginative and informative book, you can learn much of the art of shadow puppetry. With beautiful illustrations and simple to follow instructions, you can begin a fulfilling journey to mastering a craft of incredible expression. In these pages, you'll find templates for puppets, ideas for making them for yourself, and an elaborate history on one of Japan's most beautiful artforms. The book is heavy on puppets, but it's rather light on performance. I would prefer to know less about cutting techniques andmore about how to make a successful show.