Chinese Opera Wall Hanging Nuo Mask #104 Master Level

Role: Cao Cao - Chancellor, then Emperor Wu of Wei

Role Description: Cao Cao was a warlord, Chancellor of Han, and later the Emperor Wu of Wei. Although portrayed as a cruel and merciless tyrant, Cao was a brilliant ruler and a military genius. He was also skilled in poetry and martial arts and authored many war journals.

The Story: Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a historical novel about the competition between three rivalry kingdoms - Wei, Shu, Wu, during the end of Han Dynasty (169 – 280 AD). It is one of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature and has deep influence in Chinese culture.


Item #: GZHADXMJ104
Measurements: 15 x 32 cm
Weight: 600g
Material: Solid Aspen Wood

Production Processes:
1) Selection - Pick the right size / shape / quality Aspen wood.
2) Initial Carving - Start initial carving for overall shape.
3) Fine Detail Carving - Get into fine carving for exquisite details.
4) Wood Hardening - Conduct high temp process to make it hard and durable.
5) Wood Polishing - Polish the mask for smooth surface and coloring.
6) Multi-Layers Coloring - Paint repetitively for solid, sharp and lasting color.
7) Protective Waxing - Protect and polish the mask with final waxing

Production Time: 2 - 3 weeks
Craftsmanship Level: Genuine Master Level

Ground / Nuo Opera
Ground Opera, or some classified it as Nuo Opera, originated sometime between 1368 and 1398 during the reign of Ming Dynasty. When Ming expanded its territories, estimated 200,000+ armed forces relocated from Central China to the Southwest Frontier. They stationed in remote mountainous 'Tun Pu' (Tun Pu means fortress in Chinese) and brought along the Ground Opera with them. It was played for both entertainment and army practicing purposes, and could be performed in any open grounds. (hence called "Ground" Opera).


Theatrical Costumes + Vivid Masks + Orchestral Music + Fictions
During the performance, actors are dressed up in theatrical costumes and wear masks on the forehead with a piece of black gauze to cover the face. Warriors will wear chicken feather on the head and small flags on the back. The performance is accompanied by orchestral music and percussions, and its storyline is mostly related to historical fictions.


The "Living Fossil" of the Opera Art
The traditional "Ground Opera" that originated from Ming dynasty has been lost except those kept by the villagers living in "Tun Pu" villages. This is due to the geographical isolation and hence they are able to preserve it. Nowadays there are only a few "Tun Pu" villages left and people living there are in their 22nd generations. They continue to perform Ground Opera during the harvest season and the Chinese New Year as a sign of rich and prosperous life. Ground Opera mask is a popular collected item by art research institutes and museums in many countries, including Britain, United States, France, Germany and Japan.