Chinese opera exists in many forms including the popular Nuo opera that is a Chinese native religious dance and opera ritual performed in provincial villages in Southern China since antiquity, characterized by ferocious masks, unique dresses, adornments, a unique language, and mysterious scenes and includes singing, dancing and performers wearing masks and costumes. With origins in spirit and ancestor worship and Taoism, Nuo is performed to exorcise malevolent spirits, presents religious and cultural values and explores ancient origins, the world of the gods and spirits, historical legends, folktales and celebrated stories from popular literature. Nuo masks indicate the nature, temperament and manner of specific gods enhanced by distinctive gestures, with gods of the same category sharing common features. Masks are viewed as family protectors and Nuo masks or statues are often placed in homes to repel devils, disease and misfortune and attract blessings and luck.
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The origins of Nuo Opera, performed in provincial villages in Southern China since antiquity, is found in spirit and ancestor worship and Taoism. Performances use a few dozen to 200 masks having distinctive facial features, decorations, regional and ethnic individuality and aesthetic diversity. Usually carved from poplar or willow which are light and less likely…
Nuo Chinese-Opera performances are religious dramas and operas as well as secular entertainment based on historic events, folktales, or literature that are still popular among ethnic groups along the Yangtze River. The two types of performances include the grand Nuo ceremony held by the royal court during national holidays, and local performances exemplified by this…
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…
This doll of a Chinese official as part of a Chinese opera has a unique gold and silver thread stitched and sequined design circling a series of triangular mountains topped by only traditionally shaped clouds, generally not on an official’s robe. In many cultures, dolls were used as children’s entertainment and as didactic tools to…
This doll is a Chinese opera dancer whose costume decorated with 5-petal plum blossom on the sash symbolizing longevity and, with its 5 petals, a wish for the Five Blessings or Happinesses. Her elaborate hair is a focal point along with the flower he holds. In many cultures, dolls were children’s entertainment and didactic tools…
This doll is a Chinese nuo opera dancer whose costume decorated with 5-petal plum blossoms symbolizing longevity and, with its 5 petals, a wish for the Five Blessings or Happinesses. In many cultures, dolls were children’s entertainment and didactic tools to teach beliefs, philosophy, lore, and history specific to each culture. In China dolls were…
This vintage wood and cloth doll representing male attendants from China carries a peach, among the most popular Chinese auspicious symbols representing longevity. He is presented as a Chinese- opera figure with his costume decorated with 5-petal plum blossoms also symbolizing longevity and its 5 petals evoking a wish for the Five-Blessings-or-Happinesses. In many cultures,…
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