Chinese Ground Opera Mask – Exquisite Wall Decor Wood Craft Folk Art

~ Featuring ~
* Original Wood Craft Folk Art, 100% Hand Carved & Painted by Local Talented Artist *
* Rare Collectible – Technique & Craftsmanship rooted from 600 Years of Heritage *
* Exquisite, Vivid & Affectionate - Ideal Wall Décor Art for Great Visual Pleasure *

This all hand carved and painted Ground Opera mask (some classified it as Nuo Opera, or Dixi in Chinese) is ideal for home décor / mask lover / collector who want to have some authentic Oriental favor in the collection. Ground 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.

In 2006, Chinese government aligned with United Nation UNESCO heritage policy, accredited Chinese Ground Opera and its Mask an Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognizing its contribution on cultural diversity and human creativity, and safeguarding this human treasure to be kept alive.

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

Item #: GZHAMJ505(I)
Measurements: 9 x 13 inches
Weight: -370g
Material: Solid Aspen Wood

* THIS GROUND OPERA MASK IS HAND CRATFED BY SOUTHWEST CHINA ARTIST, NOT FACTORY MASS PRODUCED *

Ground Opera Mask 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.

 

About Chinese Ground Opera

Originated from the Ming Dynasty 600 Years Ago

Ground Opera (some classified it as Nuo Opera, or Dixi in Chinese) 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.