Opera facial make-up in China originates from totem in ancient times, develops into facial paintings of the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and eventually takes the shape of facial costume of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is a pattern of put-on facial make-up for opera actors and actresses in the stereotype roles of "painted face" and clown. It plays the artistic functions of implying commendatory and derogatory connotations and differentiating benevolence and malevolence, enabling the audience to get a glimpse of the inner world of actors and actresses through their symbolic facial make-up. In this sense, facial make-up has obtained the reputation as "painting of heart and soul".

Opera facial make-up utilizes the color of red, purple, black, white, blue, green, yellow, dark red, gray, golden and silver, with each color representing a unique stereotype character. In general, red symbolizes utter devotion and loyalty; purple embodies fortitude and resourcefulness; black manifests faithfulness and integrity; white implies craft; blue represents valor and vigor; green signifies justice and chivalry; yellow exemplifies cruelty. Dark red is reserved for loyal old generals while golden and silver are used for Buddha, gods, ghosts and demons. Opera facial make-up, as the product of fine artisanship, has become part of the masterpieces in the thousands years of Chinese culture and art.

Beijing Opera has existed for over 200 years. It is widely regarded as the highest expression of the Chinese culture. It is known as one of the three main theatrical systems in the world. Artistically, Beijing Opera is perhaps the most refined form of opera in the world. It has deeply influenced the hearts of the Chinese people. Although it is called Beijing Opera, its origins are not in Beijing but in the Chinese provinces of Anhui and Hubei. Beijing Opera got its two main melodies, Xi_Pi and Er_Huang, from Anhui and Hubei operas. It then absorbed music and arias from other operas and musical arts in China.

Unfamiliar characters and a 12-tone musical scale have long defeated Westerner's efforts to stay to the last scene of an average Beijing (Peking) Opera performance. In fact, it's all very simple with those two-century-old artform, which combines singing, musical dialogue, martial arts and fantastic costumes. There are three roles: female (dan), male (sheng) and clown (chou), each of which, depending on age and disposition, is identified by its facial makeup. How each face looks discloses the nature of the role - good, sly, cruel or bad. The plot, of course, differs with each work.

With over 200 years of history, Beijing Opera masks have nearly 300 patterns to depict separate, distinct emotions. Originally created to enhance the characters of Beijing Opera plots, the masks have become wildly popular in its own right. The hardest part, however, is drawing the eyes. You will have a chance to watch a master do this as he makes a mask for you.

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