Archival Note Card | Chinese Opera Masks - #18

White face with a dark scowl and arched black brows glances from under a red crown.

This archival note card from the chinese opera masks series, no. 18, titled "the question". It is paper. In many Chinese opera traditions, a red painted face is generally read as loyal and upright and a white one as cunning, though conventions vary by regional style. Elongated card in a gold border. The mask is pale with pink touches, a thick white sweep under the nose, and a long green-grey beard below. A red headdress studded with small jewels frames the head. Script at lower right. It is 4.25 inches long and 5.5 high.

One glance, and the whole row of seats goes quiet.