Shanbanqiao Cultural Life Museum Introduction
Entering the Shanbanqiao Mask Culture Life Museum, you will first see a colorful mask representing "Five Road Wealth Gods" at the entrance. Its vibrant colors symbolize good fortune, making it stand out in the tranquil mountains and enticing visitors to explore the museum further. The woodcarving industry in Sanyi is quite developed, with numerous woodcarving factories in the area. Shanbanqiao was originally a woodcarving workshop, and the couple who run the museum initially engaged in creating practical artwork such as flat wood carvings, screens, tables, chairs, and tea trays. However, as the social and economic structure evolved, the woodcarving industry began to decline, prompting the couple to reconsider the direction of their workshop. Initially, they transformed the workshop into a farm focused on woodcarving teaching. Given their strong interest in Peking opera masks, they used masks as teaching materials to instruct beginners in basic carving techniques. However, using sharp carving knives posed dangers for untrained beginners, so they later designed mask painting activities, gradually making Shanbanqiao a place centered around mask art and converting it into a space suitable for the public and family-friendly spontaneous painting. The cultural center is divided into several areas, including a historical and cultural area that introduces the local history of Sanyi, a woodcarving mask display area, and a wood experience area that allows the public to learn through hands-on experiences. The most eye-catching feature is the wall displaying thousands of traditional opera masks. These works are the culmination of the family’s efforts, and upon closer inspection, each mask displays unique designs and exquisite details, showcasing various characters' personalities and spirits through colors and lines. With a clear theme, Shanbanqiao has successfully promoted mask and woodcarving art, allowing these cultures to be reintroduced in an engaging way, thus achieving sustainable heritage transmission. There are two main theories about the origin of mask art. One suggests that in ancient rituals, fierce masks were used to depict the terror of demons. The other theory posits that during the Southern and Northern Dynasties and the Sui and Tang Dynasties, masked performances in joyous dance shows were the precursors of mask art. Regardless of the origin, masks were later transformed into painted faces by performers who found it difficult to express emotions and eye expressions while wearing masks. Initially, masks were painted in only black, red, and white to emphasize facial features, skin tone, and contours for audiences seated further from the stage. As the art of opera evolved, the designs and colors of masks became increasingly intricate. By the late 18th to early 19th century, a complete makeup guide was established for Peking opera masks, with colors gradually gaining symbolic meanings related to character traits. In this color symbolism, red represents loyalty and bravery, exemplified by Guan Yu; black represents loyalty and integrity, as seen in Bao Zheng; purple signifies wisdom and courage, like Jing Ke; white alludes to treachery, such as Cao Cao; blue symbolizes strength and valor, as in Lü Meng; green represents ferocity and aggression, like Cheng Yaojin; yellow indicates treachery and brutality, as seen in Pang Juan; while gold and silver are often used for gods, Buddhas, and ghosts, symbolizing the ethereal. Understanding the significance of these colors enhances the enjoyment of appreciating these art forms.
