Chinese Opera Mask
CHINA. Mask of male face with colored designs.
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- Object: Chinese Opera Mask
- Artist: -
- Circa: -
- Dimensions: 9"H X 7"W
- Culture Area: Asia
- Cultural Group: CHINA
- Cultural Context: There are many different styles to Chinese opera masks and this style of mask is largely seen in the Peking opera shows. The Peking opera is generally regarded as being fully formed by 1845. It was originally staged only for high ranking officials, and the royal court and was only made available to the public in later years. The main color in a facial mask symbolizes the disposition and destiny of the character. For this style of opera the color red indicates devotion and bravery, black indicates a bold character or selfless personality, blue represents fierceness, a green face tells the audience that the character is impulsive and violent, yellow represents ambition and cool-headedness, white suggests treacherousness, craftiness, and anyone wearing a white mask is usually the villain. Gold and silver colors are usually reserved for gods and spirits. These masks have three features: a complex pattern across the entire face, and a combination of beauty and ugliness which is an indication of the disposition of the character
- Donor: Elizabeth Richardson (mother), Maury & Resa Dance
- Catalog #: 115.140