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Kunqu Opera of Suzhou Hardcover in Slip Cover w/ 9 Illustrations on Rice Paper _________________________________________ Kunqu Opera of Suzhou by The Information Office of Suzhou Municipal People's GovernmentForward by Zhou Xiangqun (2001) Each of nine operas is briefly described and illustrated. Each opera includes a seperate illustration on rice paper; Each is suitable for framing. The pages are very thick and the book is very well put together. This is a very hard one to find, too! Only one other copy was found on the internet - This book is in better condition, is cheaper, and is not located in China. Condition:Like New 1st Edition Hardcover Book with Slip Case! The binding is tight and all pages within are bright white with no writing, underlining, high-lighting, rips, tears, bends, or folds. The covers look perfect! The slip case is in excellent condition with no rips, folds or tears, but does have a slight crush along the spine, as can be seen in my photos. You will be happy with this one! Always handled carefully and packaged securely! Buy with confidence from a seller who takes the time to show you the details and not use just stock photos. Please check out all my pictures and email with any questions! Thanks for looking! About the Kunqu Opera:Kunqu Opera originated from Kunshan in Suzhou city is an old drama style listed as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO in 2001. Beginning from the late Yuan Dynasty (middle period of 14th century), Kunqu is over 600 years old and is reputed as the “ancestor of Chinese dramas” and the “mother of Chinese operas”. Kunqu Opera as a Suzhou-birthed drama art is typically of rich Suzhou cultural features, but as its wide spread through the main part of China, it combines the characteristics of other famous Chinese operas. To provide the best stage effect and artistic beauty, Kunqu Opera is especially excellent with the fine makeup, soft and graceful singing, elegant actions, and traditional music, etc., which is really a hearty visual and audio feast. Costumes of Kunqu Opera are particularly abundant with rich colors and styles. Apart from the costumes styled from Yuan and Ming dynasties, others similar to the very popular garments and dressings of people of that period can also be seen often on the stage, like the martial attires, clothes of officials of different levels and positions, etc. There are basically five characters in Kunqu Opera, Dan, Sheng, Jing, Mo, and Chou. Each one has their only personal characteristics and is indispensable in this artistic performance.