Shandong artisan paints Chinese opera themes on eggshells

Artisan Zhao Limei is dedicated to creating paintings on eggshells themed on traditional Chinese opera in her workshop in Feixian county, Linyi city, located in East China's Shandong province.

The special art form in Feixian county boasts a history spanning over 200 years and is deeply rooted in Chinese opera culture.

A picture of concentration, Zhao Limei works deftly on a piece. Once finished, they're turned upside down, allowing viewers to appreciate the art. [Photo by Zhao Limei for chinadaily.com.cn]

Born into a family of opera singers, Zhao's passion for traditional opera was instilled in her from a young age.

In particular, she was fascinated by the vibrant faces in Peking Opera that adorned the stage and she started drawing those faces on the ground and then on paper and finally on eggshells.

The process of creating these miniature masterpieces may seem simple, but it requires intricate painting skills and extreme attention to detail.

From selecting the right materials to outlining, coloring and drying, each step requires precision and patience.

Due to the fragility of the eggshells, full concentration is needed and it often takes Zhao four or five days to complete a single face painting.

Through her art, Zhao hopes to contribute to the promotion of traditional opera and showcase the beauty and significance of Chinese culture to a global audience. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)