Submitted by: Cheryl Van Rysdam
Unit: Mixed Media/Drawing
Lesson: Chinese Opera Masks
Grade Level: Fourth/Fifth
Objectives: Students will explore the history of the Peking Opera and the
imagery and symbolism of the performance, with a specific focus on the
opera’s masks.
1. Students will become familiar with Peking Opera.
2. Students will recognize symbolism in Peking opera such as colors in
make-up and costumery.
3. Students will design and create their own masks using the symbolism
evident in Peking opera masks.
Vocabulary:
Erhuang
Peking opera melody derived from Anhui and Hubei Opera
A performing art consisting of a dramatic stage performance set to music
Pantomime
acting using gestures and body movements without spoken language
Peking Opera
Chinese musical drama using pantomime, symbolism
Relief
Pattern
Symbolism
Color Scheme
Contrast
Border
TEKS:
5.1ab
5.2b
5.3ab
5.4ab
Materials:
pencil
sketchbook glue
scissors
black construction paper
Copper tooling foil
white prismacolor pencils magazines
permanent markers (assorted colors)
examples of masks
optional: sequin or jewel embellishments
Procedures:
Introduce lesson. Show video of opera performance and examples of opera
masks. (make sure to play the sound!)
~What do you think these masks say about the character?
~What elements of art do you see in the mask designs?
~How does the Peking opera compare to other operatic performances you have
seen?
Discuss the meaning of the word ‘symbolism.’ Discuss the color symbolism
below and compare to the mask examples. Show examples of the finished
project. Also discuss the terms ‘relief’ and copper tooling
.
Color Symbolism in Peking Opera Masks
Red: loyalty, courage
Purple: wisdom, bravery, steadfastness
Black: loyalty, integrity
Watery white: cruelty, treachery
Oily white: inflated, domineering
Blue: valor, resolution
Green: chivalry
Yellow: brutality
Gray: an old scoundrel
Gold and silver: supernatural (demons, Buddhas, spirits)
Dark red: loyal, time-tested warrior
Pink: humor
Students use the opera mask visuals to make a drawing with pencil in their
sketchbook to plan their design.
Students are given 6” x 6” sheet of copper tooling foil to create their masks.
Students will lay their foil on top of the magazine to soften the surface below and
a dull pencil to draw the design. Encourage students to draw on both sides of
the foil to create concave and convex areas in their design.
Use the permanent markers to add color to the silver side of the mask, and then
cut out the mask shape with the scissors.
After looking at a variety of photos of Chinese symbols, students will decide on
design for the background of the project. Students use the white pencils to draw
imagery on the black construction paper. Students glue their masks onto the
designed paper.
Option: Some mask designs wear a crown-like shape that can be added and
decorated with beading, sequins or gems.
Assessment/Evaluation/Wrap-up:
Discuss and compare steps taken to create artwork. Does the student’s artwork
demonstrate the elements of art? Which ones? Did the student demonstrate
steps needed in creating the artwork?
Students analyze personal artwork.
Links/Visuals:
Examples of Peking Opera masks, Opera Mask Power Point
http://www.oberlin.edu/amam/asia/pekingopera/Default.html
http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Opera/China-opera-masks.html
Cross-curricular Connections:
Social Studies – History of China
Literature- Folktales of China
Music
Mask display in Chengdu, China
Sketchbook drawing:
Transfer design to copper foil:
Cut out and color foil with permanent markers:
Design and draw background for mask using white prismacolor: