Albums of Beijing Opera Characters from the Shengping Bureau

Qing dynasty (1644�1911), undated, probably between Xianfeng period (1851�61) and Tongzhi period (1862�74)

Anonymous, attributed to the Qing palace painting atelier in Beijing, ca. 1851�74

Set of 2 albums with a total of 97 leaves, ink, color, white pigment, and gold on silk; overall dimensions of each album: approx. 32.8�33.3 x 23.7�23.9 cm; each leaf: approx. 32.8 x 23.6 cm; each illustration: approx. 26.4 x 21.1 cm

Inventory number: 17665

The Shengping Bureau (Bureau of Tranquillity and Peace) was the court theatrical office that was established in 1827 to replace the Nan fu (Southern Court) that had been in charge of theatrical performances by palace eunuchs since around 1740.� The actors under the charge of the Shengping Bureau were responsible for staging dramatic productions twice a month (on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar calendar), but also during special occasions, such as imperial birthdays and major festivals.

The characters featured in these albums are all actors in the luantan (trembling and upset) mode.� Vivid colors were applied onto the ivory-colored silk, with the sumptuous costumes and striking masks rendered in great detail.� The actors are depicted in various stances and with evocative gestures.� All the parts being played are identified by small characters in regular script at the upper right of each leaf.� Leaves featuring the leading characters of the nine productions are not only inscribed with the title but also contain an additional column of text, each at the lower middle right edge, which was apparently added after the albums left the palace collection.