Peking Opera, also called Beijing Opera, is a form of traditional Chinese theatre in which characters are represented by masks painted directly on the actors' faces. Each mask is a stylized and often complex representation of a given character's traits or history. "Chinese Peking Opera Masks" puts a lifetime of study by one of China's foremost Peking Opera scholars, Yuanchang Deng, at the reader's fingertips in a comprehensive, bilingual format.

The book contains large, full-color reproductions of nearly 300 unique masks from the world of Peking Opera, beautifully painted from memory by Yuanchang Deng, with notes and commentary by Mr. Deng and essays by Hung Liu and Colleen Leung. All texts are presented in both English and Chinese.

"Chinese Peking Opera Masks" is the first work of its kind to appear in English. The book is an essential addition to the library of any enthusiast or scholar of Chinese history and culture. It is a unique and rewarding resource for experts and lay readers alike; no prior knowledge of China or its theatre tradition is required to enjoy Mr. Deng's brilliantly colored paintings and the larger-than-life tales of heroes and demons which accompany them.

Translated by Lingchen Kelley.