Puppet head carving

Puppet head carving

　　The puppet heads of Taishun are carved from camphor wood or other fine-grained miscellaneous woods. Special puppet heads are equipped with mechanisms controlled by silk threads, enabling the movement of the eyes, nose, mouth, and tongue. The neck part of the puppet head is thicker at the top and thinner at the bottom, connected to the abdominal cage by two threads. The abdominal cage is woven from bamboo strips, slightly larger at the chest and hips, and slightly narrower at the waist. In the late 1950s, most of the makeup and coloring of puppet heads transitioned to using paint materials. Paint coloring is simpler than powder coloring and also provides better stage effects. To adapt to the lighting of modern stages, after years of practice, artisans specially formulated paints, making the makeup of the puppet heads even more lifelike. However, the art of powder-colored puppet heads remains significant as a unique form of art, as these can maintain their color for centuries and hold collectible value.

　　The difference between puppet head carving and other types of wood carving lies in the fact that it serves as a prop for puppet performances and must facilitate the show. It should be as easy as possible for the operator to manipulate, so the carving process requires flexibility and originality, avoiding clichés. Thread installation is a crucial step in the making of marionettes, and the rationality of the wiring greatly affects the success of the performance. Generally, special movements and setups require the puppet performers themselves to handle the thread installation, as everyone has their own habits and varying lineages, resulting in different thread lengths and placements.

　　During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the modeling art and carving techniques of Taishun puppet heads had already reached a very high level, with skilled knife work, delicate yet concise carving, serene and elegant facial features, simple and unadorned facial makeup designs, and meticulous powder coloring. The Taishun puppet head carving that has been passed down to this day is based on traditional craftsmanship, drawing on its essence, featuring simple and classic techniques and graceful character designs.

　　Source: Wenzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism