Beijing Opera Costumes

The Visual Communication of Character and Culture

By: Alexandra B Bonds

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Paperback | 23 January 2019

At a Glance

Paperback
394 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
28.0 x 21.0 x 2.54

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$193.25

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Beijing Opera Costumes: The Visual Communication of Character and Culture illuminates the links between theatrical attire and social customs and aesthetics of China, covering both the theory and practice of stage dress. Distinguishing attributes include an introduction to the performance style, the delineation of the costume conventions, an analysis of the costumes through their historical precedents and theatrical modifications, and the use of garment shape, color, and embroidery for symbolic effect. Practical information covers dressing the performers and a costume plot, the design and creation of the make-up and hairstyles, and pattern drafts of the major garments. Photographs from live performances, as well as details of embroidery, and close-up photographs of the headdresses thoroughly portray the stunning beauty of this incomparable performance style. Presenting the brilliant colors of the elaborately embroidered silk costumes together with the intricate makeup and glittering headdresses, this volume embodies the elegance of the Beijing opera.

Industry Reviews

"This book is a very detailed and thorough examination of costuming (including makeup) in traditional Beijing opera as practices today. This book with its ample illustrations and clear structure, is an excellent guide to the symbolic system used to differentiate the characters on the Beijing opera stage and it could also be said to represent a guide to the visual world of Beijing opera in general. It is the only book of its kind in English and it is very hard to conceive of it being surpassed any time soon."

Professor David Rolston

University of Michigan

"Alexandra Bonds' remarkable book is possibly the most extensive study of Jingju costume in any language, and by far the most complete coverage of the subject in English. It explores an impressive range of subjects in relationship to costuming, from role types, color and design symbolism, and makeup and beards, to the training of dressers."

Professor Elizabeth Wichmann-Walczak

University of Hawai'i at Manoa

"Beijing Opera Costumes is by far the best resource I have encountered in my time as a theatre student. Professor Bonds has created one of the most insightful and thorough compellations of information on Jingju costumes, and the accessibility of her writing for readers and learners at any level is what makes the text a stand-out contribution to the field."

Grace Heller

Theatre Student

Western Washington University

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