Chinese Beijing Opera, also known as Peking Opera, is a traditional Chinese theatrical art form that combines music, dance, acrobatics, and martial arts.
It has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century and has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2010.
The Wu Sheng (warrior) category of Beijing Opera is particularly renowned for its elaborate costumes and headwear, which are designed to convey the character's personality, status, and role in the story.
The Zhu Lian Zhai (clothes and headwear) category of Beijing Opera is responsible for creating the intricate designs and patterns that adorn the performers' clothing and headgear.
These designs often incorporate symbolic elements such as dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures, as well as traditional Chinese motifs like lotus flowers and bamboo leaves.
The colors used in these designs are also carefully chosen to reflect the character's personality and mood.
One of the most famous examples of Zhu Lian Zhai work is the costume worn by the legendary warrior Wu Song in the play "The Legend of White Snake".
This costume features a long red robe with gold embroidery, a black hat with a golden dragon crest, and a pair of black boots with silver buckles.
The design is so intricate that it took over 300 workers more than three years to complete.
Another example of Zhu Lian Zhai work is the headwear worn by the warrior Jiang Yu in the play "The Story of the White Snake".
This headwear features a white helmet with a golden dragon crest, a black hat with a golden dragon crest, and a pair of black boots with silver buckles.
The design is so detailed that even the smallest details, such as the placement of the dragon crests on the hats and boots, are carefully considered.
In addition to their aesthetic value, these costumes and headwear also serve practical purposes.
They provide protection from injury during performances and help to create a sense of unity among the performers.
They also serve as symbols of the characters' personalities and roles in the story, helping to bring the audience into the world of Beijing Opera.