[Shadow puppets. China] Large collection of original Chinese puppets and accessories for a shadow theatre

Beijing, most probably first half 20th cent. Var. sizes, all made from perforated and cut-out semi-transparent pieces of painted animal hide Includes an accessory in the shape of a grease gun as used in World War II. With two old paper portfolios preserved. Accompanied by two cards with annotations in pen by Otto van der Mieden, stating that the collection was bought in Sept. '96, from two dealers in "Beijing Curio City, Dong San Huan Nan Lu" or "Jinsong Antique City". W. occas. defects, dustsoiling or sm. lacking parts.

A very fine and exceptionally large collection, w. beautiful, colourful specimens, consisting of 15 puppets complete w. their sticks and (replaceable) heads, 2 hinged puppets without sticks (incl a horseman), 17 loose heads, 17 (mythical) animals (incl. a tiger, the "Nine Phoenix", lions, dragons, a pair of elephants, fish, saddled horses and a cow), a boat on a stick w. headless passenger and 26 accessories such as theatre wings, chairs, tables, screens and plants. (total ca. 75)