Techniques of Make-up

Feminine beauty is emphasized by applying rouge from the eye sockets down, leaving the forehead, the nose bridge and the area around the mouth as they are. Jewelers such as earrings and 'Pianzi' ornaments are carefully pinned onto the 'pianzi' cloth, which is wrapped tightly around the head.

The make-up is designed to show the beauty of the female and the charm of the male characters. The face is dabbed with white powder. A darker paint is added to the eyelids and eyebrows. The eyebrows are modified with an upward lift. Lipstick is applied. The hair is pulled tight with a black ganze slip. Two pieces of tape are used to 'lift' up the eyebrows and corners of the eyes.

Women have to put on 'Pianzi' which are like bangs. After the 'Pianzi' comes the larger hairpiece, which is usually a ponytail that extends down past the waist.

For the male characters, the beard is also a very important part of the role. There are different types and colours of beards, which depict the age of the characters.