Cantonese Opera Skirt Item Number: 2701/4 b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A skirt of white synthetic fabric with silver and purple ornamentation that together with a blouse (2701/4 a) forms a costume. The skirt is full and gathered onto a waistband that is open at one side with long ties. It has an overskirt of filmy white fabric. 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 and a line of sequins near the hem of the skirt.
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.
Cultural Context
Cantonese Opera Performance
Iconographic Meaning
The rank of the character is indicated by the relative simplicity of the costume.
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 Skirt
- Identification Number
- 2701/4 b
- Type of Item
- skirt
- Material
- synthetic fibre, cotton fibre ?, plastic, dye and metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cut and sewn
- Overall
- height 105.0 cm, width 93.0 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 b