A 3D mask with its decorative elements placed under glass or framed can become an original and beautiful decorative object. Nowadays various reproductions of these Chinese operatic masks, which can be worn for parties and theatrical performances or which can be hung on the wall as decoration, are sold commercially. The purple mask characterizes righteousness and sophistication.Ĭolorful Masks with Different Connotations The blue mask symbolizes ferocity and cunning. The green mask symbolizes bravery, brutality, despotism, vehemence and irascibility.

The yellow mask symbolizes ferocity and ambition. The white mask symbolizes mistrust and cunning. The black mask symbolizes firmness and honesty, or temerity.The red mask symbolizes loyalty, courage, bravery, sincerity and righteousness.Peking Opera Characters Dan and Jing with Drawn MaskĬolors and the Expression of Personalitiesįor Chinese classical opera, each color used on a mask contributes effectively to express the character’s personality: The innumerable combinations of colored lines add intensity to each character’s expression and produce a strong aesthetic effect at the same time. Initially, the actors wore real masks which were later replaced by a kind of makeup specifically designed for each character. The appearance of Peking Opera in China dates back to the end of the 18th century and was a mixture of dances, acrobatics and music featuring Chinese historical stories and folklores.

Due to their shapes and bright colors, the Chinese masks of Peking Opera are remarkable and the visual effect that they provide is particularly striking.

Chinese opera mask designs