Chinese masks are legend. The tradition of mask making in China and other Asian countries reflect the religious and culturally rich customs of each specific group of people. From the Buddhist masks of Tibet to the royal masks of Beijing, Asia’s love of masks is abundant. You can get in on this tradition by using Chinese masks in your home. Let us help you find and decorate with some beautiful Chinese masks.

Before you can purchase any Chinese masks, you have to decide what kind of masks you are interested in. The many different areas of China each reflect a different type of culture. You might choose to buy traditional painted wood masks. Or perhaps you’d rather have a golden dragon mask. The kind of mask you buy depends partly on your budget. Some wooden reproduction masks can cost less than $50; while authentic gold and other metal masks can set you back thousands of dollars.

Once you decide what kind of Chinese masks to buy, you are ready to shop. For affordable masks you might consider checking out your local import store. Whether it is a chain store, or a smaller low-volume merchant, you should have quite a bit of luck at a store that specializes in foreign items. Or check out a local decorating or furniture store. These places often have reproduction items for sale at reasonable prices.

Now that you have purchased one or more beautiful Chinese masks, you are ready to decorate. There are many ways to use ancient Asian masks in your home. Consider placing a large gold mask in a grand living room or foyer. Add a golden Buddha and some jade and you’ll have a palatial entertaining spot. Or use a wooden mask in a room with neutral colors and fabrics. Either way, your new Chinese décor will thrill all your guests.

Exorcising masks originated from ancient sacrificial rituals in the Central Plains. The rituals were initially held to drive away ghosts and evils. Later, part of the rituals was evolved into local operas in praise of military deeds and high-ranking officers, becoming popular among the army troops. About 1,000 years ago, exorcising masks, combined with the totem worshipping among ethnic minority groups in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and traditional sacrificial rituals, formed a mask culture of extensive contents. Ethnic minorities currently using exorcising masks include the Miao, Tujia, Yao, Zhuang, Dong, Shui, Buyi and Maonan etc.

In the embryonic and initial stages of ethnic operas, masks were widely used in the performances. Later, under the influence of operas of the Han people, wearing masks was gradually replaced by face painting. Masks and facial covers were only used when playing gods, ghosts and animals. But there are still some operas in which masks are completely or partially used, including Tibetan operas popular in Tibet, Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai etc, the Tujia and Lao ethnic exorcising operas popular in Guizhou, Ground Opera and the Dong ethnic leaping drama in Hunan etc