Introduction to Chinese Drama Face Painting

Face painting refers to the colorful make-up on the faces of male actors in traditional Chinese drama. This kind of face make-up is mainly used for jing, flower face and clown, clown.

There is a certain format in form, color and type. An insider audience can tell from the face paint whether the character is a hero or a villain, smart or stupid, beloved or disgusting. Peking Opera face painting holds a special place among the countless face make-ups in Chinese drama. Peking Opera face painting is known for its symbolism and exaggeration. The character's personality traits are displayed through the use of exaggerated and distorted shapes. The eyes, forehead and cheeks are usually painted in the shape of bat, butterfly or swallow wings, together with exaggerated mouths and noses to create the desired facial effect.