Details
Description
A wonderfully colorful set of three vintage Chinese hand-painted wall masks inspired by the elaborate painted-face traditions of Chinese and …
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A wonderfully colorful set of three vintage Chinese hand-painted wall masks inspired by the elaborate painted-face traditions of Chinese and Peking Opera.
Likely dating to the 1960s–1980s, the masks appear to derive from the Huishan/Wuxi clay-figurine tradition of Jiangsu, China, which has a long association with vividly painted representations of Chinese theatrical and opera characters.
Each molded clay/composition mask features an elaborate gold-toned headdress and an individually painted male face. One is dominated by dramatic black and white, another by warm red-brown, and the third by vivid yellow, creating a particularly striking grouping when displayed together.
Although inspired by Chinese theatrical traditions, these are decorative display masks rather than masks intended to be worn during a performance. Their facial decoration references the stylized painted-face conventions associated with Chinese opera warrior and Jing characters.
The three masks share closely related construction and headdress forms while differing in their hand-painted facial and ornamental details, suggesting they were created as a coordinated decorative group.
Each retains a hanging cord on the reverse and arrives ready to hang.
Origin: China
Period: Circa 1960s–1980s
Style: Chinese Opera / Peking Opera / Huishan-Wuxi style folk art
Materials: Molded clay/composition-type material with hand-painted finish
Set: Three masks
Dimensions & Weights
Each approximately 6 in. H x 4 in. W
Combined weight: 1 lb 0.2 oz
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- Dimensions
- 4ʺW × 0.5ʺD × 6ʺH
- Styles
- Chinese
- Period
- Late 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- China
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Clay
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Yellow
- Condition Notes
- Good vintage condition with authentic age-related surface wear and paint loss. The masks have been left in their existing condition … moreGood vintage condition with authentic age-related surface wear and paint loss. The masks have been left in their existing condition without repainting or restoration. The red-brown mask has a localized area of flaking and paint loss at the center forehead with surrounding fine cracking. The yellow mask shows paint loss to several of the blue headdress ornaments and an irregularity at the nasal area; because portions of the painted finish appear to follow the uneven surface, at least some of this may have occurred during manufacture. The black mask has comparatively minor surface and edge wear. Additional small areas of rubbing and paint wear are consistent with age and use. Please review the detailed photographs. less
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