Vintage Type of Bejing Opera Facial Display. Appear to be made of clay. The masks measure about 1.75" in height. Excellent condition. Comes with box and are attached to box.
Immerse yourself in the rich theatrical heritage of the East with this stunning set of miniature Beijing Opera facial displays. Traditionally known as Lianpu, these intricate masks are more than just decoration; each color and pattern represents a specific personality trait, from the loyalty and bravery of a red face to the cunning of a white one. This set features multiple miniature masks meticulously hand-molded from clay and painted with a level of detail that is remarkable for their small scale.
The masks remain securely attached to their original presentation box, ensuring they stay perfectly aligned for display while protected from dust and wear. This collection serves as a vibrant cross-section of Chinese folk art and operatic history, capturing the dramatic energy of the stage in a compact, collectible format. These sets were popular cultural exports during the mid-to-late 20th century, favored by travelers and collectors for their artisan quality and symbolic depth. Whether you are a student of global theater or simply looking to add a pop of high-contrast, artistic color to your bookshelf, these masks offer a sophisticated nod to international tradition. They pair exceptionally well with other curiosities in a global-inspired vignette or as a focal point in a shadowbox arrangement.
This item is vintage, approximately 45 years old.