Famous dhalang eventually acquire labels which reflect their specialty in the eyes of the public. Dhalang in the past have been referred to as:
- dhalang catur (strong in the area of language and poetry)
- dhalang sabet (virtuosic in wayang manipulation)
- dhalang edan (outrageous and sometimes irreverent performer)
- dhalang setan (dhalang with a powerful, intense, and virtuosic style)
- dhalang gendhing (a specialty in the area of iringan)
- dhalang kung (an outstanding voice)
One of the most interesting aspects of Ki Purbo Asmoro as a dhalang, is that in the 20-some years he has been performing, critics have found it difficult to classify him. Over time, the classification that seems to have resonated best, and been repeated most often, is "dhalang sanggit".
On a number of pages in this website other labels for Ki Purbo Asmoro are noted, along with their source and perhaps an explanation. Ki Purbo Asmoro has, in the past, been referred to as all of the below:
- dhalang priyayi (refined, classy, gentlemanly style)
- dhalang intelek (focuses on theme, philosophy, and intellectual reflections)
- dhalang komplit (is strong and balanced in every main area of skill needed for a dhalang)
- dhalang komunikatif (talented at relating to his audience in any setting)
- dhalang internasional (internationally appealing)
- dhalang banjaran (talented in the area of combining lakon and presenting character portraits)
- dhalang sejati (exudes natural talent and has developed his talent in ways that show integrity)
but most often:
