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Toy Theatres Masks in Theatre Shadow Puppet Theatre Making Faces/Chinese Opera
China China, 750 AD
Chinese Opera was first enjoyed by the Emperor of the T'ang Dynasty around 750 AD. It encompasses many different schools, including one of the oldest traditions, Kun Opera, and a more recent tradition, Shaoxing Opera. Peking Opera, known as China's National Opera, is probably the best known and includes a combination of music, dance, art and acrobatics.
Puppet depicting Chinese Opera character Puppet depicting Chinese Opera character
circa 1900
Taiwan
Many Chinese Opera characters wear an elaborate costume, make-up and headdress like this puppet.
Peking Opera masks Peking Opera masks Peking Opera masks Peking Opera masks Peking Opera masks
Chinese Opera characters don't actually wear masks anymore. But, many wear brightly colored make-up on their faces just like you see on these masks. The colors tell the audience what type of jing, or painted face character, the actor is playing. The actors are literally "wearing their emotions on their faces".

To learn about the meaning of specific colors displayed by jing characters ... click here >>
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