The 'Mang' is a court robe worn only by imperial family members, prime ministers, or generals. The costumes worn by the actors fall into four main categories. The painted white nose of the Chou character suggests that the character is a clown. For example, up to twenty-six types of eyebrows, are recognizable, including 'saw-toothed eyebrows', 'duck's egg eyebrows', 'butterfly eyebrows', 'willow-leaf eyebrows', 'bat eyebrows', and 'sword eyebrows'. The patterns on the faces are also intriguing, including the way eyes, eyebrows, forehead, nose and mouth are drawn.

Gold and silver colors usually indicate gods or spirits.Īlong with the colors, the obvious beauty, or equal lack of it, is also an indication of the character's disposition.White face paint suggests treacherousness, suspiciousness, and craftiness.Blue represents someone who is steadfast in principle, fierce and astute Ī character with a green face is impulsive and violent and acts with stubbornness and a lack of self-restraint Ī yellow face is a sign of fierceness, ambition and cool-headedness.

Black indicates either a rough and bold character, or an impartial and selfless personality.

Red face paint indicates devotion, bravery and uprightness.

The colors and patterns painted on their faces reveal their personalities. The makeup for the 'Jing' and 'Chou' roles is much more complex and results in 'Lianpu', or mask-like makeup.

What is a peking opera