Intangible Cultural Heritage Mask: Colors in Yanta Qinqiang Opera

There is a saying, "A roar from Qinqiang Opera can frighten the cattle grazing on the hillside." The sound of Qinqiang Opera is as majestic as Mount Huashan and as mighty as the rushing Yellow River. It is a raw, heroic cry echoing across the lands of Shaanxi.

Qinqiang Opera is renowned for its face painting. Beyond the vibrant performances, the facial makeup, with its unique charm, forms the artistic soul of Qinqiang Opera.

A Qinqiang Opera mask

Chen Yaowu, inheritor of Guanzhong Qinqiang Opera facial makeup

Guanzhong Qinqiang Opera facial makeup, an intangible cultural heritage item of Yanta District, boasts a history of over 500 years. Known for its distinct classical painting style and a comprehensive system, it stands alongside Peking Opera and Sichuan Opera masks as one of China's three major facial makeup traditions. Guanzhong Qinqiang Opera masks have played a significant role in shaping and influencing the development of Peking Opera makeup.

Compared to Peking and Sichuan Opera masks, Qinqiang Opera masks feature bolder brushwork, richer symbolism, and more complicated designs. For example, red signifies loyalty, white represents treachery, and blue conveys bravery. Every color and stroke holds deep cultural significance.

The process of drawing a Qinqiang Opera mask

Different designs of Qinqiang Opera masks

Qinqiang Opera's performance style is direct, bold, and vividly expressive, blending dramatic exaggeration with rich life energy and diverse techniques. The vibrant red and green facial makeup, paired with bold brushstrokes, complements the singers' voices, creating the distinctive stage presence of Guanzhong Qinqiang Opera.

On the Qinqiang Opera stage in Yanta, facial makeup is more than mere decoration. It captures the very essence of each character. With a rich heritage that combines painting, drama, and folklore, this art form represents a vivid example of the district's intangible cultural heritage.