​Design Characteristics



Sichuan puppets have a distinct profile reminiscent of an overbite and unique joint engineering in both the hand and shoulder.  Both Sichuan (the Province) and Chengdu (the capitol city) have their own distinguishing characteristics.  Sichuanese puppets vary in size and style but are akin to their Northern Central neighbors, while many of the Chengdu city puppets were some of the largest in the country and extremely ornate – made complete with removable accessories.  This difference was a direct result of the affluence in Chengdu city during the period of shadow puppet popularity. 



The province has since lost all of its living shadow puppet makers with no apprentices to carry on the tradition.