
Audiences may hardly even notice this “changing faces” technique.

Since opera masks are used in representing various human emotions, the frequent on-stage change of facial expressions therefore makes the opera masks an ideal technique. In terms of symbolism, Peking Opera costumes. Chinese opera masks are significant in a way that they represent the performers’ or characters’ personalities, intense moods, and status quo even.Įxpressive meanings through facial designsĬhinese opera mask is basically among the main methods, which performers use as makeup. (3) Peking Opera costumes must enable the audience to distinguish a characters sex and status at first glance.
PEKING OPERA MASK DESIGN MEANING PATCH
However, truth is that these masks are more than seemingly as added decorations. Peking Opera Masks (Wucai lian) (Ji liao) - Chinese Theatrical Mask lacacheauxtresors (152) 60.32 Opera Peking Mask Iron On Patch stellarpatch (217) 3.90 Vintage Chinese 1980 Legendary Monkey King Masks of Beijing Opera Cancelled Postage Stamp NaturelandCandles (678) 233.75 275. There may be those who perceive these masks as mere props or effects to enhance the show. Facial Make-up Red face paint indicates devotion, bravery and uprightness Black indicates either a rough and bold character, or an impartial and selfless. However, it is evident that most audience or spectators are more fascinated with the Opera masks normally used in every opera performance. Eventually, the performance has become a grand combination of music, literature, and art and accompanied by conventional musical instruments, such as gong, flute, and Erhu. This pattern represents his weapon, the huo hu lu. His face is painted red with an inverted gourd on his forehead. Take Meng Liang - the famous warrior of the Song Dynasty - for example.

Chinese opera essentially began from folk songs, talking, dancing, antimasque, and uniquely dialectical music in particular. Each pattern is rooted in his ability to make subtle and interesting changes within the human face, and each pattern has its own symbolic meaning. Moreover, since its inception, Chinese opera has continued to evolve throughout the dynasties that went by. Add in traditional bravery and a bit of stubbornness, and you have a character depicted by the color blue, which in the opera may represent a certain level of vigor coupled with audaciousness. A black face represents characteristics like impartiality, with a hint of altruism. Historically, there can be various regional spin-offs of opera with distinctive dynastic periods as its initial root. When black is the foundation of a mask on stage, its meaning is neutral. At a certain period, this internationally renowned as China’s form of musical theater and drama has been encouraged by then court emperors and officials, and thus has become a customary art form.

The Chinese opera is one of the oldest known dramatic art forms worldwide.
