Chinese Peking Opera, also known as Beijing Opera, is a traditional Chinese theatrical art form that has been passed down for centuries.
It combines music, singing, dancing, acrobatics, and martial arts to create a unique and captivating performance.
The costumes worn by the performers are an integral part of the art form, with each costume representing a specific character or role.
The most famous type of costume in Peking Opera is the kao costume, which is made of silk and features intricate embroidery and patterns.
These costumes are often brightly colored and adorned with gold and silver trims, making them visually striking and eye-catching.
Other types of costumes include the general yellow armor suit, which is worn by the Wu Sheng (warrior) characters, and the zhu lian zhai (lion dance) costumes, which are worn by the lion dancers.
In addition to the costumes, the performers also wear headwear such as the chang shan (crown) and the qi pao (cape).
The chang shan is a tall, pointed hat that is often decorated with feathers or other embellishments.
The qi pao is a long cape that is worn over the kao costume and can be either plain or embroidered.
Peking Opera costumes are not only beautiful but also have deep cultural significance.
They represent the different social classes and statuses of the characters in the play, as well as their personalities and traits.
For example, the general yellow armor suit represents bravery and strength, while the zhu lian zhai costumes represent agility and grace.
Overall, Chinese Peking Opera costumes are a testament to the rich history and culture of China.
They are not only visually stunning but also carry important symbolic meanings that add depth and complexity to the performances.