I have to admit that I have never seen a Chinese Opera. Perhaps I have seen a few minutes of footage here and there but I have never actually watched one in it's entirety. However I just came across some fascinating images of the face-painting and masks used and I am quite intrigued especially with the color symbols associated with the different masks.
Red represents loyalty, heroism, intelligence and courage.
White represents hypocrisy and craftiness. It is commonly reserved for the powerful villain of a performance.
Green represents a character who is impulsive and violent.
Black symbolizes forcefulness and boldness.
Blue represents intelligence and loyalty. Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao’s most trusted general, is an example of a blue character.
Yellow signifies ferocity and ambition. Yellow may also refer to a cruel and evil character.
Purple symbolizes uprightness, justice and sophistication. Sometimes, purple may substitute the colour red.
I have to say that I really dig the bearded Gene Simmons guy. By the way a beard such as this on a character implies wealth and power....or that he lives in Portland, Oregon.