Professor Zhao, in an attempt to preserve China's cultural past, started to collect the folk art of shadow puppets. Puppet shows are a important part of China's history. In the process Professor Zhao became an expert on the art of Chinese puppetry. He often gives demonstations to school kids and at various functions to preserve this important part of Chinese history.

Professor Zhao's collection now numbers over 75,ooo shadow puppets. In keeping with his very personal commitment to China's culture and past, Professor Zhao has never sold even one of the thousands of objects that he has collected. Many of the objects would command hugh sums in current markets.

The photographs below, I took during a visit to one of his warehouses, where he stores the vast collection that he has assembled over the last 50 years.

A lot of information on Zhao Shutong, can be obtained by a search on the internet to understand the major contribution, Professor Zhao has made to China.

If there are any museums or institutions that would like to possibily organize an exhibition of Chinese Shadow Puppets from Professors Zhao's collection please contact me by e-mail. reagerto@iupui.edu

http://www.china.org.cn/english/2003/Mar/57766.htm