Pair of Antique/Vintage Carved Opera Figures (16161LME), China SPECIAL PRICE

Description

We cannot precisely identify this pair but the seller said the costume details were of opera figures which were extremely popular during the Qing dynasty until it ended. Beautifully carved from a very dense hardwood, the figure and wife sit on a 3 level pedestals with long back supports. Clearly an official with a deeply cut 3-strand beard, he holds his intricately carved official’s belt as proof of his office and wears officials robes with wide sleeves falling to his shoes and a finely cut sash down the front. His hat appears to be fit for an opera with masterfully carved details, daisy-like florals splayed at the temples and extensions with long flowing tassels. The woman’s robe is similar and decorative with elaborate curved sleeves with meander designs, a decorative sash and an elaborate curved headdress adorned with florals and dangling earrings. Wood opera figures are uncommon and difficult to carve as they wear multicolor costumes with attached trappings and unique headgear. They also have complex painted faces providing viewers insight into their character. Chinese opera has been the main source of entertainment for Chinese urban and rural residents for centuries. With over a hundred regional branches of traditional Chinese opera today, the best known is the Beijing (Peking) opera, known as the “national theatre” of China. Beijing opera was extremely popular in the latter part of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) with a repertoire of 1,000 works, mostly based on historical novels relating to heroic feats and political and military struggles. Actors are each trained for its highly formalized and strict character roles, which are more easily identifiable to the audience by their painted exaggerated features, vibrant costumes and elaborate make up.