A Virtual Tour of the NMNH: Asian Cultures
Chinese Opera
Traditional Chinese Opera


In this scene from a traditional Chinese opera, advisers warn the queen of her father's intent to kill her son, the infant emperor destined to carry on the Ming Dynasty. She cradles the infant, torn between loyalty to her father and fear for her son. In Chinese opera, music expresses the character's feelings and spoken dialogue relates the play's action.

Asian Cultures Main Page Japanese Samurai Armor
Asian Cultures
Main Page		 Japanese
Samurai Armor
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