Anna from Russia has recently become enchanted by traditional Chinese opera. She is captivated by the stunning performance of Peking opera actors on stage. Particularly, the resplendent costumes and headdresses are a real eye-opener for Anna. In this episode, Scarlett from LICC accompanied Anna to explore the world of traditional handicrafts in Liaoning. They visited Li Zhimo, a creator of Liaoning folk intangible cultural heritage traditional handicrafts, to learn the art of making traditional opera Kuitou (headdress) and experience the magical charm of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary through traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Kuitou refers to the various types of hats and crowns worn by characters in traditional Chinese opera, which is categorized into four types: helmets, hats, crowns, and scarfs. The creation of each Kuitou involves at least twenty intricate procedures, and over 300 types of accessories. The craftsmanship of making Kuitou is delicate and complex, and Kuitou is all done by hand. However, what surprised Anna the most is that such a glamorous Kuitou is made of the most common materials found in folk society.
Under the careful guidance of Li Zhimo, Anna and Scarlett embarked on a fantastic journey of Kuitou making. From ink flicking to making the frame, then to pasting silver foil, pasting satin, and assembling, every step was aimed at perfection and precision, ensuring that the Kuitou came to life beautifully. Finally, a Kuitou worn by the character Mu Guiying when she takes command of the army was successfully created! Anna held the Kuitou she had made in her own hands, absolutely smitten with it.
Makeup artist Liu Zhihong crafted a stunning look for Anna. With the Kuitou on, Anna was instantly transformed into a Russian version of Mu Guiying, so beautiful that she seemed almost unrecognizable. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Anna shook her head in disbelief. The experience of making Kuitou and dressing up as her beloved heroine “Mu Guiying” was truly extraordinary.
Wearing the exquisitely ornate Kuitou, Anna was well aware of its profundity. Simple materials like cardboard, iron wire, silk and satin were transformed into dazzling treasures on stage by the skilled hands of the craftsmen. Behind the glittering stage, the brilliant craftsmanship of Liaoning shines brightly.
