Moving Toys

Ancient artisans were capable of producing elaborate movable toys. Using ordinary materials and simple tools, they made toys that were not only fun to play with but were also objects of great beauty.

Clay "roly-poly" figurines are often sold at country fairs. Funny and attractive, these figurines revolve on spherical clay pedestals and will not fall over, even when touched by children. Cloth lion and tiger hand puppets can open their mouths and shake their heads or tails; chickens can be made to move their heads up and down as if pecking rice.

Among movable toys, shadow puppets enjoy the longest history and best reputation. Made of colored cardboard, leather, or hardened sheets of plastic, they are used by children and adults in a variety of puppet shows. With wires, strings, or sticks attached, the puppeteers can move various parts of the figures' bodies.

Similarly made furniture is also used as scenery in puppet shows, where many of the sets and characters are taken from ancient Chinese history and folk literature. Increasingly, however, contemporary figures of soldiers, workers, and peasants enjoy great popularity among children. Reflecting various aspects of modern Chinese life, these puppets provide a medium for both artists and consumers to express their ideas, concerns and desires. Moreover, as certain figures grow in popularity and demand, the puppets constitute a kind of cultural record that enables scholars and others to detect the changes in attitudes about Chinese culture.

   Practical Toys

Toys are most often seen in terms of their ability to amuse. However, Chinese people, who are known for their thrifty and practical nature, make toys for other purposes, as well.

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