On December 13, 2008, an exhibition named 鈥淭he Dragon鈥檚 Stage: Chinese Opera Artifacts from the Palace Museum鈥?was unveiled at the Macao Museum of Art. Nearly 180 pieces (sets) of cultural relics of traditional operas collected by the Museum are on display, attracting a big audience. The exhibition will run until March 15, 2009.

The exhibits include opera costumes, musical instruments, stage props, records, calligraphy, paintings, and pottery. The exhibition displays precious historical artifacts that are testimony to the zenith of Chinese opera as it was performed in the Qing court.

Meanwhile, the exhibition 鈥淪ound and Imagery: An Exploratory Exhibition of Chinese Opera鈥?will also be held to introduce the origin, development and types of traditional Chinese operas.

Operas were the most popular form of entertainment in the Qing imperial court. Promoted by the authorities, they were even included as part of the ritual activities of the imperial court. The royal favor bestowed upon opera actually accelerated its development in the Qing Dynasty. Official institutions in charge of operas were established in the Qiang court to ensure the royal family could enjoy the best opera performance. Much attention was paid to providing an excellent script, performers, costumes, stage props, and stage building.

According to Li Wenrun, vice curator of the Palace Museum, more wonderful exhibitions on cultural relics will be held in 2009, marking the tenth anniversary of Macao鈥檚 return to China.

The following exhibition photos and illustrations are from the Macao Museum of Art website.

Xiangjiang Hui

Guangxu鈥檚 reign (1875鈥?908)

Album, 2 leaves

39 x 33 cm

This album features two characters 鈥?The Tang Emperor Xuanzong and the imperial concubine Yang. The textile piling technique brings the characters to life, and is an excellent example of its type.

Yueqin (Chinese string instrument)

Late Qing Dynasty (c. mid-19th鈥揺arly 20th century)

Length: 57.5 cm; Base diameter: 34 cm