Cantonese Opera Umbrella Cover

Item number 2967/48 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Fabric umbrella cover (parasol set) that hangs over a wooden umbrella support (2967/50 a-b). Cover is conical in shape, bright pink at top with a small collared hole in centre. Two light green embroidered ribbons hang from the seam. The body of the cover is light pink, decorated with embroidered birds, flowers and coniferous plants, as well as metallic fibre bands, and a regular pattern of gold-toned studs. At the bottom hang many tassels in pink, yellow, orange, tan and light green connected to each other by a decorative woven net.

History Of Use

Used as a theatrical prop in Cantonese opera.

Iconographic Meaning

Lush embroidery on this parasol shows the typical “bird and flower” images found in Ming or Qing-dynasty court paintings. The use of large parasols, multicoloured costumes, and tall banners heightens the sense of diversity and mass mobilization, filling the horizontal and vertical space of the stage with movement. The sequential presentation of the civil and martial processions encapsulates the idea that all facets of the social order have been summoned forth in one grand performance. It is a larger celebratory image of power, prosperity, and unity.