Costumes

Cantonese Opera costume design was originally an imitation of Ming Dynasty design but became heavily influenced by Beijing Opera in the early 20th century and you may find many similarities between them.

The costumes worn by the characters depend on the type of play and the role acted. The type of play is generally categorized into Mou (武) and Man (文). Mou usually involves fighting and martial arts (military) while Man involves scholars (civil). Military costumes have tighter sleeves and civil costumes have wider sleeves. The are four main roles in Cantonese Opera, namely Man mou sang, Mou sang, Chou sang and Fa dan describing the principal male, military general, clown and female characters respectively. Moreover, plot, personality, environment and occasion are also reflected in the costume. For example, plots that involve social reality require western or contemporary outfits. The costumes are also a good indication of the status of the character. A lower-class character may wear less elaborate costumes while a upper-class character may wear more beautiful costumes.

Common costume styles include ceremonial robes, battle armour, official robes, large coats and cloaks. Different types of costumes are matched with the corresponding headgear, make-up, shoes or stage props. For example, armour worn by a general is matched by forehead battle headgear and swords. Sequined, beaded and embroidered costumes, or even costumes with light-bulbs installed on them were used to attract more audience and be eye-catching.

Costumes can be dated by their design. Silver-coated brass disks decorated costumes are the oldest, followed by mirror decorated and gold/silver threaded costumes. In the 1930s, heavily sequined costumes came into use and this practice continued until the 1950s.

Read more:

• City University of Hong Kong - Glamour of Cantonese opera: An Introduction: The Costume Design and Make-up of Cantonese Opera

• Reciprocal Research Network: Cantonese Opera Shoes

• Unknown