Puppets continue to pull heart strings

In China, such puppet performances, where figures are made to move by puppeteers pulling strings, dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220). It reached its heyday during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The folk art in Tangfang was listed as a Jiangxi provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2013.

Marionettes are wooden dolls that are mobile, and can be gracefully manipulated. Tied with strings or wires and manipulated by a puppeteer, the figures can perform varied actions.

Lasting 10 minutes or more, a typical show involves controlling up to 36 strings to ensure a puppet, about 70 to 120 centimeters tall, walk, dance, ride a horse or even play a musical instrument.

A show usually depicts well-known Chinese legends and folktales.

Although not a commonly seen art form in cities, a handful of puppeteers like Xie Bangyin, head of the Qixin troupe, are trying to preserve the art form for future generations.