ANNE WANNER'S Textiles in History / exhibitions |
Haags
Gemeentemuseum, Stadhouderslaan 41 2501 C B Den Haag Nederland Tel: +31
(0)70 3381 111
Chinese
Theatre Costumes: the Haks Collection Theatre costumes from the Chinese Opera Group of Singapore dating from the 20s to the 50s with much embroidery. The exhibition design is by Frans Haks, former director of the Groninger Museum, while the colour scheme is the work of the artist Peter Struycken. |
From
7 April Leo Haks' spectacular collection of chinese
operas costumes will be on show in the Costume Gallery.
Dating from the twenties to the sixties, some of the
costumes are decorated with more than 50'000 sequins! In
view of their exclusive designs and the elaboration of
their detailing, these costumes can justly be described
as "Haute couture". Since the operas were performed by
travelling companies in Chinese temples, these expensive
costumes were primarily meant for the gods and not for
the earthly spectactors. Hence it is not surprising that
some of them are so richly decorated. These glittering
costumes were meant to bring the generous donor happiness
in love, good health, many children and a place in
heaven. The presentation is just as impressive a spectacle as the Chinese opera itself. The costumes, arranged in twelve scenes, are brought to life by special lighting effects designed by specialists from the film world, while the shifting angles of the sequins constantly change the colours of the pieces. In the main showcases can be seen complete costumes, including the banners that indicate the ranks of the characters. In the side cases are shown the richly decorated neck pieces and headdresses, with hats, shoes and jewels in separate cases. Two projections of Chinese performances in side cabinets bring the operas to life. |
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