Chinese Opera Masks Miniature Chinese Opera Facial Make Up Masks Red Blue Green White Set of 6 Mini Chinese Opera Masks In Velvet Lined Box

Chinese Opera Masks Miniature Chinese Opera Facial Make Up Masks Red Blue Green White Set of 6 Mini Chinese Opera Masks In Velvet Lined Box

This detailed and brightly colored set of six mini mask Figurines in Red Blue Green and White in fine porcelain are stuck on a red velvet lining and are presented in a beautiful antiqued gold and black patterned box. Red sticker on box has Chinese lettering and Opera Facial Make-Up Bei Jing written on it

Each mask measures about 1.5 "

The most visually arresting features of Chinese Opera are the bold & colorful masks worn by the performers. These masks hearken back to an ancient tradition of face-painting among warriors and, as with war paint, the colors and patterns bear symbolic meanings. The spirit and personality of each character is effectively color coded.

White: sinister, evil, crafty, treacherous, and suspicious. Anyone wearing a white mask is usually the villain.
Green: impulsive, violent, no self restraint or self control.
Red: brave, loyal.
Black: rough, fierce, or impartial.
Yellow: ambitious, fierce, cool-headed.
Blue: steadfast, someone who is loyal and sticks to one side no matter what.
Gold and silver faces represent mystery and aloofness.

On stage they are elaborate make-up and costuming not real masks so that the players can sing and pantomime to extravagant and wondrous effect.

Excellent vintage condition. Box has some wear on coners. Masks are pristine