Peking Opera facial mask exhibition to open in Weifang

An exhibition featuring the colorful Peking Opera facial masks will open on Feb 5 at the Shifu Garden in Weifang, East China's Shandong province to promote the traditional Chinese art of facial makeup as well as Peking Opera.

More than 100 pieces of exhibits including Peking Opera paintings, photographs, and facial masks will be on display.

A series of activities are also scheduled along with the exhibition, including Peking Opera performances, facial makeup painting lectures and costume display, in a bid to offer visitors a Peking Opera art-themed cultural feast.

The facial makeup used in Peking Opera stems from performances that can be traced back 1,400 years. Different colors of makeup, as well as the various facial expressions, represent different characters, personalities and the ultimate fate and destiny of the roles portrayed.

All the exhibits have been created or collected by Zhang Huichang, a 68-year-old local artist who is also a renowned mask maker.

The exhibition will last until Feb 20 with free admission.

Shihu Garden, the main part of Shihu Ancient Building Complex, was the private garden of Ding Shanbao, a rich landlord of Weifang during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It was built in 1885.

The cultural demonstration zone of Shifu Garden in Weifang, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/iqilu.com]

A painting of the Dragon King in Peking Opera performance, created by Zhang Huichang. [Photo/iqilu.com]

A painting of Yan Qing, a character from classic Chinese novel Water Margin in Peking Opera performance, created by Zhang Huichang. [Photo/iqilu.com]