Raree show, peep show or peep box - precursors of film and movie. Kamishibai, picture-card storytelling, kkamagwi

A raree show, also known as a peep show or peep box, is a type of visual entertainment that dates back to the 15th century. It typically consists of a small box or cabinet with one or more small openings, through which viewers can look at a series of illustrations or moving images. These images were often hand-painted or printed on paper or fabric and were changed periodically to create the illusion of movement.

Raree shows were popular as a form of entertainment for both adults and children and were often used as a form of advertising. They were also used for educational purposes, such as to teach children about history or science.

The technology used in raree shows is considered to be a precursor to the development of film and movies. The use of multiple images and the illusion of movement in raree shows is similar to the way that film and movies use multiple frames to create the illusion of movement. Additionally, the use of a peephole or small opening to view the images is similar to the way that a projector is used to project film or movie images onto a screen.

It's important to note that the knowledge of this technology was not limited to Europe, it was also popular in other cultures such as Japan and China where they were known as "kamishibai" and "paper theater" respectively.

Additionally, the use of mechanical devices to create movement in raree shows, such as levers and pulleys, is similar to the way that animation technology works. The use of these devices to create the illusion of movement in raree shows can be seen as an early form of animation.

Raree shows were also known for their portability, they could be easily transported and set up in different locations, making them a popular form of entertainment for traveling shows and fairs. This portability is another similarity with the early days of the film industry, where films were often shown in traveling tents or in makeshift theaters.

Another feature of raree shows that was important in the development of film and movies was the use of storytelling and narrative. Many raree shows featured a series of images that were arranged to tell a story, and the use of narrative in these shows was an important precursor to the use of storytelling in film and movies.

Additionally, the use of different types of lighting and special effects in raree shows helped to create an immersive experience for the viewer and was important in the development of film and movie special effects.

And one more aspect of raree shows that was important in the development of film and movies was the use of audience interaction. Many raree shows featured a mechanism that allowed the viewer to control the progression of the images, for example by turning a crank or pulling a lever. This interactive element of raree shows was an important precursor to the interactive elements that are now commonly used in film and movie experiences, such as virtual reality and choose-your-own-adventure style experiences.

Furthermore, the use of music and sound effects in raree shows was also an important precursor to the use of sound in film and movies. Many raree shows featured a musical accompaniment or sound effects that were synced to the images to create a more immersive experience for the viewer. This use of sound was an important precursor to the use of synchronized sound in film and movies.

History raree show, peep show or peep box.

Peep shows, also known as peep boxes or raree shows, have a history dating back to the early modern period in Europe. In 1437, Italian humanist Leon Battista Alberti is believed to have created the first peep show boxes with painted pictures viewed through a small hole. Peep shows were popular in the 17th century in Holland, where artists used them to create an illusion of depth perception by manipulating the perspective of the view inside.

In the 18th century, perspective boxes became popular in Japan, where they were referred to as "Holland machines." Peep shows were also popular in Ottoman Syria, where they were called "sanduk al-ajayib," and in 19th-century China, where they were known as "la yang p'ien." Peep shows can be seen as predecessors to optical toys like Chinese fireworks, the diorama, the stereoscope, and the magic lantern.

Kamishibai.

Kamishibai is a form of traditional Japanese storytelling that involves the use of illustrated boards, similar to the western concept of a raree show or peep box. The word "kamishibai" literally means "paper theater" in Japanese.

A kamishibai performer, known as a "kamishibaiya," would travel to different locations and set up a small stage, usually on the back of a bicycle. The kamishibaiya would then use a small wooden box, called a "butai," to display a series of illustrated boards, which were changed by hand to tell a story.

Kamishibai performances were popular in Japan during the 1930s to 1950s, and were often used as a form of entertainment for children. The stories told through kamishibai were often moralistic in nature and were used to teach children about social values and customs.

Picture-card storytelling.

Picture-card storytelling, also known as "xiang sheng" in Chinese, is a form of traditional Chinese storytelling that involves the use of illustrated cards, similar to the western concept of a raree show, peep show or peep box or the Japanese kamishibai.

A picture-card storyteller, known as a "xiang sheng yan," would use a small wooden box, called a "xiang sheng deng," to display a series of illustrated cards, which were changed by hand to tell a story. The stories told through picture-card storytelling were often moralistic in nature and were used to teach children about social values and customs.

Kkamagwi-narrator.

A kkamagwi performer, known as a "kkamagwi-narrator," would travel to different locations and set up a small stage, usually on the back of a bicycle. The kkamagwi-narrator would then use a small wooden box, called a "kkamagwi-deng," to display a series of illustrated boards, which were changed by hand to tell a story.

Kkamagwi performances were popular in Korea during the 1930s to 1950s, and were often used as a form of entertainment for children. The stories told through kkamagwi were often moralistic in nature and were used to teach children about social values and customs.

In summary, raree shows were an important early form of visual entertainment that had a significant impact on the development of film and movies. The use of multiple images, illusion of movement, mechanical devices, storytelling, and special effects in raree shows were all important precursors to the development of modern film and animation technology.