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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 shiny blue-green fabric decorated with sequins of darker blue-green and silver in a pattern of lotus flowers, stems, and leaves. It has two narrow front panels outlined in sequins that hang from a white cotton waist band with v-openings and ties at each side. The remainder of the skirt is pleated, and has a simpler sequin design along the bottom. The skirt is worn with a blouse (2701/2 a) as a costume.

History Of Use

This costume would have been worn by an actress representing a young woman of the early Republican period in Chinese history (c. 1911). Although men played female roles in the early 20th century, by the 1960s female roles were played only by women, with the occasional 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 historic period represented is indicated by the fitted shape of the blouse, its curved lower edge, and its high collar.

Item History

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