Chinese Studies - Preface

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Preface

Masks are a cultural phenomenon carried down from ancient times that reflect various religions, customs and aesthetics of different nations. Most ancient nations have their own histories of the development of masks, which used to be manifestations of religions, gods and totems and continue to
carry stories from myth and history. Masks are also a source for modern plastic, makeup and performing arts and a concrete reflection of traditional beauty in painting, sculpture, plastic art and handicrafts.

Chinese masks and the art of mask-making enjoy a long history. Chinese masks are made from a big variety of materials and come from a wide range of regions. They are endowed with exquisite paintings and exotic artistic designs which have profound historical implications.

In terms of materials, Chinese masks fall into the following categories: gold masks, bronze masks, gilt metal masks, iron masks, jade masks, wood masks, bamboo masks, cloth masks, paper masks, plastic masks and more.

In terms of function, Chinese masks can be classified into the following main categories: first are masks of Nuo gods——to call on the gods to expel evil spirits, avoid disasters and bring happiness, health, good harvest, peace and stability. Nuo masks appeared as early as three thousand years
ago and were used in the Nuo ritual during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Nuo masks such as bronze masks and the “four golden-eyes masks” with traces of totems that were worn by bear-dressed fangxiangshi (people in ancient royal courts exorcising evil spirits) have great historical and cultural
value, because they are China’s most ancient masks for repelling ghosts and plague, and possess the strongest primeval features, with a wild, ferocious and primitive beauty and a special sense of mystery. Second are masks for sacrificial ceremonies——to pray for the gods’ blessing to ensure
happiness, safety and good health. Third are scaring masks——to be hung on the columns of temples and door lintels of houses. They are called “tunkou (swallow mouth)” masks, meant to swallow evil spirits. Fourth are funeral masks——such as golden masks or masks decorated with jade and
gold to be worn on the faces of the deceased, and jade masks in the shapes of divine tigers to be hung on the walls of tombs and on coffins. Fifth are masks for operas, dance and entertainment events, and handicraft masks——such as artistic masks for Nuo opera, Nuo dance, Tibetan opera and
other traditional operas, and masks in the shapes of huge doll heads for children’s games.

With the development of the society, the original functions of many ancient masks have become obsolete. Modern people generally regard masks as historical and cultural relics to be used to understand the culture, ideas and spiritual life of ancient people and to be appreciated and enjoyed for the
aesthetic beauty of their primitiveness and sub-primitiveness in ancient sculpture, painting and craft.

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