Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

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

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items