Cantonese Opera Blouse Item Number: 2701/4 a from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A blouse of white synthetic fabric with silver and purple ornamentation that together with a skirt (2701/4 b) forms a costume. The blouse has long, wide sleeves with long white sleeve extensions, a round neckline and closes down the back with metal snap fasteners. Scattered over the surface are clusters of silver sequins in a tendril pattern. There are bands of purple and silver sequins in a pattern of irregular interlocking circles near the ends of the sleevest and a line of sequins at the hem.
History Of Use
This costume would have been worn by an actress representing a young woman of ordinary rank. Although men played female roles in the early 20th century, by the 1960s female roles were played only by women, with the exception of role types representing old women. During the years 1900-1930, Cantonese opera costumes were decorated with silver-plated brass discs and then with round mirrors, together with gold and silver thread. Sequins made of gelatin were first used on Cantonese opera costumes in the 1930s. Heavily-sequined costumes were popular in the 1950s-60s, with the sequins then being made of plastic. Sequins have continued to come and go in popularity since that time.
Iconographic Meaning
The rank of the character is indicated by the relative simplicity of the costume.
Cultural Context
Cantonese Opera Performance
Item History
- Made in Hong Kong, China between 1960 and 1970
- Collected in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Ngai Lum Musical Society before April 21, 2008
- Received from Ngai Lum Musical Society (Donor) on April 21, 2008
What
- Name
- Cantonese Opera Blouse
- Identification Number
- 2701/4 a
- Type of Item
- blouse
- Material
- metal, synthetic fibre, cotton fibre ?, plastic and dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- cut and sewn
- Overall
- height 53.5 cm, width 298.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Chinese: Cantonese
- Previous Owner
- Ngai Lum Musical Society
- Received from
- Ngai Lum Musical Society (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Hong Kong, China
- Collected in
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1960 and 1970
- Ownership Date
- before April 21, 2008
- Acquisition Date
- on April 21, 2008
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2701/0004 a