Chinese Opera 

A MAJOR EXHIBITION OF THE KWOK ON COLLECTION
Occupying the entire 2nd floor of the Museum, The Chinese Opera presents a comprehensive view of this unique performative genre in all its diversity and exuberance.

On display are about 280 pieces such as costumes, wigs, caps, makeup models, puppets, prints, paintings and musical instruments, as well as photographs and videos.

Considered one of China's cultural treasures, traditional opera emerged in the late 11th century, aggregating elements of much earlier artistic forms. It is a synthesis of various arts, which encompasses singing, music, spoken word, mime, dancing, makeup techniques, acrobatics and martial arts, with manipulation of props such as weapons, beards and fans.

Traditionally represented without scenarios, and with a vast repertoire, the main feature of Chinese opera is that it stands at the opposite point of realism.

The voice is never natural and the movements, very stylised and symbolic, express the feelings of the character according to a strict aesthetic imperative.

It is this universe, full of symbolism and material wealth, that the exhibition The Chinese Opera proposes to show, through the stories, objects and characters that compose it.