Key Features:
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* Genuine Master Level; All Hand Carved and Painted taking 2 - 3 weeks to finish
* Exquisite Artwork, Fine Craftsmanship, Inherited Technique
* Ground Opera is considered the living fossil of Chinese Opera, originated from the Ming Dynasty 600 Years ago
* Browse 100+ different Opera Masks, Ritual Masks and Festive Masks @ Interact China
* Home Furnishings products in Tablecloth, Bed Sheet, Door Curtain, Cushion Cover, and Home Décor items available @ Interact China too!
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Master Level Chinese Opera Aspen Wood Mask
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 #: GZHADXMJ113 - 118
* Measurements: approx. 15 x 32 cm each
* Weight: approx. 600g each
* Material: Solid Aspen Wood
* Production Time: 4 - 6 weeks
* Craftsmanship Level: Master Level
* Roles:
1) Jiang Ziya - Prime Minister or Grand Duke Jiang
2) Huang Feihu - General
3) Deng Chanyu - Female General
4) Qian Liyan - A Sprite
5) Leizhenzi + A Celestial
6) Wen Zhong - Top Ranked Official
* Role Descriptions:
1) Jiang Ziya, an astute political thinker and military strategist, played a great role in assisting King Wu of Zhou to defeat King Zhou of Shang, resulting the formation of prosperous Zhou Dynasty.
2) Huang Feihu, a renowned General throughout the Shang Dynasty, joined King Wu to rebel King Zhou. He was killed during the rebellion battle but earned high reputation for his act of justice. He was appointed the title of Great Emperor of Mount Tai after his death.
3) Deng Chanyu, the daughter of General Deng Jiugong, married Earth Traveler Sun and convinced her father to ally with the Zhou army. She and her husband, skilled in the slinging of stones, often fought in the battlefield together.
4) Qian Liyan ,along with his brother Shun Fenger ,were two sprites who had super-seeing and super-hearing abilities. Under the guidance of Jade Tripod (an immortal), Prime Minister Jiang Ziya set plans and killed the two sprites in a night raid.
5) Leizhenzi, with a face like a monsters and two large wings sprouting from his back, was a celestial that had been created by a great thunderstorm at Mount Swallow. He was destined to assist the creation of Zhou Dynasty.
6) Wen Zhong, the top ranked official under King Da Yi of Shang Dynasty, played a key role in the schemes of Heaven as he could see through any level of disillusion and falsehood with a third eye on top of his forehead.
* The Story: Creation of the Gods or Fengshen Bang, one of the major vernacular Chinese epic fantasy novels written in the Ming Dynasty, is a romanticized retelling of the overthrow of the unscrupulous and merciless ruler King Zhou of Shang by King Wu of Zhou. It intertwines numerous elements of Chinese mythology, including gods and goddesses, immortals and spirits.
“Exquisite artwork, fine craftsmanship, inherited technique - this mask is no doubt a class of its own !”
***** Our Award Winning Craft Master *****
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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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Production Process:
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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.
*** 100% GENIUNE OPERA MASK HAND CRATFED BY INHERITED MASTER, NOT AN IMITATION ***
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~ Browse Interact China for over 100+ different Opera Masks, Ritual Masks and Festive Masks ~
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