Xiaoyi Shadow Play is an ancient traditional art of Han nationality and one of the important branches of Chinese Shadow Play, which is named after its popularity in xiaoyi city. According to historical records, xiaoyi shadow play had class rules and sculptors in the song and Jin dynasties, indicating that xiaoyi shadow play was mature in the song and Jin dynasties. According to experts' research, Xiaoyi Shadow Play originated in the Warring States Period and is one of the earliest birthplaces of shadow play in China.

Xiaoyi shadow play is an important branch of Chinese shadow play, named after its popularity in Xiaoyi, Shanxi, and it is the earliest shadow play in Shanxi. Xiaoyi shadow play originated from the sculpture and painting of shadow play art and experienced a long evolution and development. It has a unique local style and strong local flavor. It is simple, beautiful and colorful, and it is an artistic flower hidden in Shanxi folk culture.

The specific content of xiaoyi shadow play

1, singing and accompaniment

Leather cavity is the tune of shadow play. Because the music of leather cavity takes suona as the main accompaniment instrument, it is also called "filial piety blowing cavity". Xiaoyi Blowing Opera is one of the earliest folk blowing operas in China.

2. Performance screen

Xiaoyi Shadow Play uses a hemp paper window as a screen. Because there is a sesame oil lamp hanging behind the paper window, it is also called "lamp shadow" and "paper window". The general paper window area is1.75m×1.21m. Paper window stickers have five strict procedures: cutting paper, deburring, proportioning, pasting and leveling, and the window is smooth and wrinkle-free, and white and flawless.

3. Role modeling

Xiaoyi shadow play was carved from sheepskin before the Ming Dynasty, with a height of 58 ~ 60 cm, commonly known as "two-foot shadow". In the Qing dynasty, the shadow figures were reduced to 42 ~ 48 cm, commonly known as "five-foot shadow play", and the three-year-old cowhide was the first-class material for carving. Xiaoyi shadow play is rough, concise and exaggerated, with rich lines and great charm.