Tweet Master Level Chinese Opera Aspen Wood Mask  

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Solid Aspen Wood; Traditional Wearing Strings

Exquisite Artwork; Master Level Craftsmanship; Genuine Heritage

This culturally rich yet very charming mask is a real charm for any home décor / mask lover / collector - it is a genuine Ground / Nuo Opera Mask, hand carved and painted by our award winning Craftsmaster Mr. Yang, who family has been in this tradition for several generations. Ground / Nuo Opera is considered the living fossil of Chinese Opera Art. It originated some 600 years ago, and still be found in some remote villages in the Southwest China. The focal point of this art form is the mask. It requires exceptional craftsmanship, artistic talent, and years of experience to carve an affectionate and vivid mask, in which to reflect the role's character and its represented spirit.




Item #: GZHADXMJ112
Measurements: approx. 15 x 32 cm
Weight: approx. 600g
Material: Solid Aspen Wood
Production Time: 2 - 3 weeks
Craftsmanship Level: Master Level


Role: A Female Warrior
Role Description: A Female Warrior
The Story: Romance of Sui and Tang Dynasty，written by Zhu Renhuo in the Qing dynasty, is a historical novel about the transition from Sui to Tang. It features many heroes that have distinct characters and legendary stories that were well-known by Chinese people.

“Exquisite artwork, fine craftsmanship, inherited technique - this mask is no doubt a class of its own !”

Production Process:
1) Select good quality Aspen wood that are of right curve, size and shape
2) Carve initially for the overall shape
3) Carve sophisticatedly for exquisite details
4) Conduct high temp process for wood hardening
5) Polish wood surface for multi-layer colorings
6) Paint several base colors as main theme. Dry naturally for second layer coloring
7) Paint artistically for overall expression. Dry naturally for third layer coloring
8) Paint exquisitely for fine details. Dry naturally for polishing and waxing
9) Polish the mask surface for final waxing
10) Wax the mask for sharp, long lasting effect and wood protection.
* as 100% hand carved and painted, mask will not be identical but a duplicate as shown.

Our Award Winning Craft Master

Our Craft Master Mr. Yang Ding Kuen is in his late 50’s. He started his carving career since the age of 24, where his father propagated this very traditional mask carving technique to him. His works has been used in many Chinese musical plays, while earning numerous awards including the Best Prize for Guizhou Province Arts and Crafts Fair in 2006. He is also the committee member of Guizhou Arts and Crafts Association, and has various appearances in TV art programs, including those hosted by China Central Television.

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Originated from the Ming Dynasty 600 Years Ago

Ground Opera, or some classified it as Nuo Opera, originated sometime between 1368 and 1398 during the reign of Ming Dynasty. When Ming expanded its territories, estimated 200,000+ armed forces relocated from Central China to the Southwest Frontier. They stationed in remote mountainous 'Tun Pu' (Tun Pu means fortress in Chinese) and brought along the Ground Opera with them. It was played for both entertainment and army practicing purposes, and could be performed in any open grounds. (hence called "Ground" Opera).

Theatrical Costumes + Vivid Masks + Orchestral Music + Fictions

During the performance, actors are dressed up in theatrical costumes and wear masks on the forehead with a piece of black gauze to cover the face. Warriors will wear chicken feather on the head and small flags on the back. The performance is accompanied by orchestral music and percussions, and its storyline is mostly related to historical fictions.

The "Living Fossil" of the Opera Art

The traditional "Ground Opera" that originated from Ming dynasty has been lost except those kept by the villagers living in "Tun Pu" villages. This is due to the geographical isolation and hence they are able to preserve it. Nowadays there are only a few "Tun Pu" villages left and people living there are in their 22nd generations. They continue to perform Ground Opera during the harvest season and the Chinese New Year as a sign of rich and prosperous life. Ground Opera mask is a popular collected item by art research institutes and museums in many countries, including Britain, United States, France, Germany and Japan.

* 100% GENIUNE OPERA MASK HAND CRATFED BY INHERITED MASTER, NOT AN IMITATION

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Genuine Chinese Ground / Nuo Opera Mask 100% Hand Carved & Painted by Inherited Master
Liu Bei – General, then Emperor of Shu Han	Guan Yu – General	Zhang Fei - General
Cao Cao – Chancellor, then Emperor Wu of Wei	Diao Chan – one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China	Zhuge Liang – Chancellor
Li Shimin - Emperor Taizong of Tang	Wei Chigong – General	Cheng Yaojin – General
Qin Shubao – General	Luo Cheng – General	A Female Warrior
Jiang Ziya – Prime Minister or Grand Duke Jiang	Huang Feihu – General	Deng Chanyu - Female General
Qian Liyan - A Sprite	Leizhenzi - A Celestial	Wen Zhong - Top Ranked Official
Xue Dingshan – General	Fan Lihua – Female General	Su Baotong – General
Yang Fan - General	Zhu Yuanxian - A Celestial	Xue Jinlian - Sister of Xue Dingshan
Mu Guiying – General	Yang Zongbao – General	Yang Paifeng – Warrior
Jiao Zan – General	Meng Liang – General	Yang Ye – General

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Shan Wang - the God who recovered the lost souls	Guan Yu - General in the Romance of Three Kingdom	Zhou Cang - a Warrior in the Romance of Three Kingdom
Li Long - Skilled Warrior	A Woman in Qin Dynasty	The Flower Picking Goddess
Di Pan - the God of Land	Mr. Gan - a Scholar	The Monk
Ms Qiu, an Old Aunt	The Judge	Ms. Tang - a Goddess

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