Costume for Peking opera

Costume for Peking opera	Costume for Peking opera

Peking Opera costumes, generally referring to what an actor or actress wears on the stage, are technically termed xingtou or, more popularly, Xifu in Chinese. The origins of Peking Opera costumes can be traced back to the mid-14th century, when operatic precursors first began to experiment with large, ornate articles of clothing. 
Peking Opera costumes give voice to a character's sex and status at first glance. In terms of symbolic function, they have done well in marking off people from all walks of life, noble or humble, civil or military. For example, the wear of a beggar's gown patched with satin suggests that the character is temporarily poor but expects a bright future. 
Accessories, including helmets and hats, constitute an integral part to bring about dramatic stage effects. For instance, the wings attached to a hat, the plumes (lingzi) pinned to a helmet, and the cascading sleeves (shuixiu ) sewn to a garment, though short of practical function, are acclaimed as the representative of Peking Opera's beauty.