Chinese Opera Masks

Although I wasn't able to attend the lecture I've done a bit of research myself into the culture and history of the Opera Masks.

This kind of opera arose in the 19th century, where they would wear beautiful costumes and paint extravagant masks on to their faces. These mask would help tell the story and depict certain characters and what their fate would be in the story.

Colours and its meaning.

RED

Peking Opera. (2011). Beijing Opera Facial Mask. Available: http://opera-beijing.com/beijing-opera-facial-mask/. Last accessed 9th May 2014.

Mostly red in masks ment loyal and brave character. 

 BLACK

Viacheslav Zotov. (2009 onwards). Chinese anscient Beijing opera mask.Available: http://www.123rf.com/photo_5603427_chinese-anscient-beijing-opera-mask.html. Last accessed 9th May 2014.

Black on masks symbolises boldness and determination


YELLOW and WHITE

Fotosearch. (1998-2014). Stock Illustration of Traditional Chinese Opera Mask for Yuwen Chengdu. Available: http://www.fotosearch.com/UNN463/u15053008/. Last accessed 12th May 2014.

Yellow and white faces in shows represented characters that had split personalities, a bit two faced.


GOLD and SILVER

fotosearch. (1998-2014). Stock Illustration of Traditional Chinese Opera Mask for the Ox King. Available: http://www.fotosearch.com/clip-art/chinese-opera.html#comp.asp?recid=4844567&xtra=. Last accessed 12th May 2014 .

Gold and Silver masks represented Mystery within the show someone who wouldn't let you in to much.

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The more white on the masks suggest the more malicious the role is. This is such a contradiction to how we view white in our society, we see white as being pure and innocent. Chinese masks have been around for over 800 years and continue to be a big part within the culture.