Ancient rituals and shamanism Origin of the tradition Chinese masks have their roots in the early dynasties (Shang, Zhou) when they were used in shamanic ceremonies. It was believed that a priest or shaman, wearing a mask of a spirit or deity, received the power to communicate with the world of ancestors and gods. Ritual In some provinces of China, rituals with masks used to banish evil forces and attract good fortune (especially during festivals or sowing and harvesting seasons) persisted. Theater masks and opera Opera Roots (京剧, Kunqu) Chinese theater masks and makeup (脸谱) have become world famous thanks to the Peking Opera. In it, each color and ornament on the face carries a meaning: red symbolizes bravery and sincerity, white - cunning and cunning, black - straightforwardness and honesty, green - courage and militancy, yellow - cruelty and power. Transmission of characters The mask in Chinese opera is not only a decoration, but also a tool for expressive acting. With the help of patterns and colors the actor emphasizes the character of the character: a commander, an emperor, a god, a demon or a joker. Social and military status During the Tang and Song dynasties and beyond, some masks (or battle makeup) were used by generals and warriors to add strength to their image and to instill fear in their enemies.

The pervasiveness of Buddhist ideas Buddhism (佛教) came to China from India during the Han era and gradually merged with Taoist and Confucian practices. In mask art, Buddhist motifs can be seen in the use of lotus ornaments, symbols of enlightenment (such as the third eye on the forehead), and soft, harmonious lines expressing compassion. Bodhisattvas and Buddhas Sometimes masks depicted divine beings with enlightened gaze, symbolizing care for all living beings. In the Sobi Mask collection, such images may appear in the “Divine” categories of masks. 4. Numerology and the meaning of “222” Symbolism of the number “2” In Chinese tradition, the number 2 (二, èr) is often associated with harmony and pairing. The expression 好事成双 (hǎoshì chéngshuāng, “good things come in pairs”) indicates that “two” can symbolize good luck. The reflection in the Sobi Mask 222 masks may indicate a threefold amplification of the number 2, symbolizing triple luck and harmony. Philosophically, it can be interpreted as a fusion of the three main teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism) or even as a kind of “triple dualism” (Yin, Yang and the balance between them).

Ancient rituals and shamanism Origin of the tradition Chinese masks have their roots in the early dynasties (Shang, Zhou) when they were used in shamanic ceremonies. It was believed that a priest or shaman, wearing a mask of a spirit or deity, received the power to communicate with the world of ancestors and gods. Ritual In some provinces of China, rituals with masks used to banish evil forces and attract good fortune (especially during festivals or sowing and harvesting seasons) persisted. Theater masks and opera Opera Roots (京剧, Kunqu) Chinese theater masks and makeup (脸谱) have become world famous thanks to the Peking Opera. In it, each color and ornament on the face carries a meaning: red symbolizes bravery and sincerity, white - cunning and cunning, black - straightforwardness and honesty, green - courage and militancy, yellow - cruelty and power. Transmission of characters The mask in Chinese opera is not only a decoration, but also a tool for expressive acting. With the help of patterns and colors the actor emphasizes the character of the character: a commander, an emperor, a god, a demon or a joker. Social and military status During the Tang and Song dynasties and beyond, some masks (or battle makeup) were used by generals and warriors to add strength to their image and to instill fear in their enemies.

The pervasiveness of Buddhist ideas Buddhism (佛教) came to China from India during the Han era and gradually merged with Taoist and Confucian practices. In mask art, Buddhist motifs can be seen in the use of lotus ornaments, symbols of enlightenment (such as the third eye on the forehead), and soft, harmonious lines expressing compassion. Bodhisattvas and Buddhas Sometimes masks depicted divine beings with enlightened gaze, symbolizing care for all living beings. In the Sobi Mask collection, such images may appear in the “Divine” categories of masks. 4. Numerology and the meaning of “222” Symbolism of the number “2” In Chinese tradition, the number 2 (二, èr) is often associated with harmony and pairing. The expression 好事成双 (hǎoshì chéngshuāng, “good things come in pairs”) indicates that “two” can symbolize good luck. The reflection in the Sobi Mask 222 masks may indicate a threefold amplification of the number 2, symbolizing triple luck and harmony. Philosophically, it can be interpreted as a fusion of the three main teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism) or even as a kind of “triple dualism” (Yin, Yang and the balance between them).

Ancient rituals and shamanism Origin of the tradition Chinese masks have their roots in the early dynasties (Shang, Zhou) when they were used in shamanic ceremonies. It was believed that a priest or shaman, wearing a mask of a spirit or deity, received the power to communicate with the world of ancestors and gods. Ritual In some provinces of China, rituals with masks used to banish evil forces and attract good fortune (especially during festivals or sowing and harvesting seasons) persisted. Theater masks and opera Opera Roots (京剧, Kunqu) Chinese theater masks and makeup (脸谱) have become world famous thanks to the Peking Opera. In it, each color and ornament on the face carries a meaning: red symbolizes bravery and sincerity, white - cunning and cunning, black - straightforwardness and honesty, green - courage and militancy, yellow - cruelty and power. Transmission of characters The mask in Chinese opera is not only a decoration, but also a tool for expressive acting. With the help of patterns and colors the actor emphasizes the character of the character: a commander, an emperor, a god, a demon or a joker. Social and military status During the Tang and Song dynasties and beyond, some masks (or battle makeup) were used by generals and warriors to add strength to their image and to instill fear in their enemies.

The pervasiveness of Buddhist ideas Buddhism (佛教) came to China from India during the Han era and gradually merged with Taoist and Confucian practices. In mask art, Buddhist motifs can be seen in the use of lotus ornaments, symbols of enlightenment (such as the third eye on the forehead), and soft, harmonious lines expressing compassion. Bodhisattvas and Buddhas Sometimes masks depicted divine beings with enlightened gaze, symbolizing care for all living beings. In the Sobi Mask collection, such images may appear in the “Divine” categories of masks. 4. Numerology and the meaning of “222” Symbolism of the number “2” In Chinese tradition, the number 2 (二, èr) is often associated with harmony and pairing. The expression 好事成双 (hǎoshì chéngshuāng, “good things come in pairs”) indicates that “two” can symbolize good luck. The reflection in the Sobi Mask 222 masks may indicate a threefold amplification of the number 2, symbolizing triple luck and harmony. Philosophically, it can be interpreted as a fusion of the three main teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism) or even as a kind of “triple dualism” (Yin, Yang and the balance between them).