Chinese opera - costume

Most Chinese operas are based on Chinese history and famous Chinese classics. Chinese opera is a synthesis of stylized action, singing, dialogue, acrobatic fighting and dancing to depict different characters and their feelings of gladness, anger, sorrow, happiness, surprise, fear and sadness.

Chinese opera involves much more than just traditional culture and heritage. It is a fine art that includes fluid and graceful body movements and expressions. The characters may be loyal or treacherous, beautiful or ugly, good or bad, their images being vividly manifested.The drama in any opera comes from the elaborate and flamboyant costumes, exquisite wigs and colourful make-up worn by the actors. The costumes in opera are graceful, magnificent, elegant and brilliant, most of which are made in handicraft embroidery. Each character in Chinese Opera wears a distinctive costume which tells the audience about the rank, status and personality traits of the wearer. It is worn by actors and actresses playing high military officials in the jing (painted face), Wu Sheng (male acrobat) and Dao Ma Dan (female warrior) roles. If the official wears four triangular pennants on his back, it shows that he has received his authority from the emperor himself.