Beijing opera costumes : the visual communication of character and culture /

Bonds (costume design, Univ. of Oregon) presents an in-depth, detailed study of the costumes of the jingju. The author discusses theory and analysis and also provides technical information regarding color selection, embroidery, patterns, and construction techniques. The initial chapters take up the history and tradition of the opera, characters, and costumes; subsequent chapters offer clear information about individual aspects of the various costume pieces and about hair and makeup. The most informative chapter, "The Costume Compendium," describes every item of clothing within each costume--including its history, usage, typical color, and ornamentation--and also various accessories and head ornamentation. Although some of the material is repetitive, this spiraling content will help the reader understand the vast amount of information presented. The book is enhanced by appendixes featuring pattern drafts of key garments, a dictionary of important jingju characters, and more than 250 color and black-and-white photographs. This is an excellent resource for Beijing opera enthusiasts, beginning costume students, and serious costume historians alike. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers, all levels. K. Wagner Southern Illinois University Carbondale