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Did Ancient Times Have Realistic Wig Technology?
In historical Cdramas, we often come across women sporting exaggerated and voluminous hairstyles, like the Ming-style makeup in When the Wild Geese Return and the Tang-style makeup in The National Beauty and Fragrance. Netizens can't help but wonder: Did ancient people really have such astonishing hair volume? The answer is no. It wasn't necessarily that ancient people naturally had thick hair. In reality, their hair density might not have been as depicted in films and TV shows. Instead, they wore wigs, known as "Yiji" (义髻) in ancient times, which were the forerunners of modern hairpieces. The trend of wearing wigs started among upper - class women. Their goal was to add volume and create more elaborate hairstyles, similar to today's hair extensions. The materials for Yiji were diverse. It wasn't limited to human hair (which was costly) but also included thin wood shavings, horsehair, etc. Generally, Yiji were made from hair or wood - based substitutes. For example, the lacquered wooden wig unearthed from the Astana Tombs in Turpan, Xinjiang, is a standard 'Single - Blade Half - Turned Chignon'. It's made of wood, painted black, and decorated with white - painted flowers, auspicious clouds, and phoenixes. The base has… -
Why Are Heroines in Cdramas Always Using Same Ponytails?
It's unclear when it started, but almost all heroines and heroes in ancient - costume dramas now sport high ponytails, and the 'armor battle - damaged makeup' trend has also become popular. Netizens point out that high ponytails can actually hit the face during martial arts practice, which is quite painful. The mass replication of high ponytails and battle - damaged makeup not only risks causing visual fatigue but also likely puts pressure on makeup artists and stylists to create unique variations. Let's revisit the costume drama styles of 50 years ago. The most classic is arguably the image from A Touch of Zen. In 1970, actress Xu Feng starred in A Touch of Zen, which catapulted her to fame and established her cold yet glamorous 'heroine' persona. Her character design featured a high bun, often paired with a headscarf or hat. Over her 15 - year screen career, she appeared in about 50 films, all as a heroine. This sleek attire and hairstyle conveyed an independent, self - reliant, and powerful image. Looking at other classic films, heroines rarely wore ponytails. Even with updos or half - updos adorned with accessories, the styling showcased distinct personalities while still emphasizing…- 0
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Why Costume Dramas Feature Loose Hair?
Why Do Costume Dramas Always Feature Loose Hair? In TV dramas, we often see characters with 'loose hair' styles, including half - down hairstyles. For ancient people, when was it necessary to tie up their hair? What were the customs around this? The conclusion is that both men and women were expected to tie up their hair in public after reaching adulthood. Many dramas wrongly assume that unmarried women can have loose hair and married women should tie it up. According to traditional etiquette, hair should be tied up after coming of age. Ancient coming - of - age ceremonies were closely related to hairstyles. For men, it was 'Guanli (冠礼)', and for women, 'Jili (笄礼)', also known as 'Shangtouli (上头礼)'. Records show men had Guanli at around 20, and women had Jili at about 15. For women, the Jili, also called 'Jiaji (加笄)' or 'Shangtouli', involved parents or elders tying up their hair and adding a hairpin, symbolizing adulthood and eligibility for marriage. As Confucian texts state, 'A woman promised in marriage is honored with Jili and given a courtesy name.' In Confucian ideology, wearing loose hair after adulthood was seen as barbaric or a disregard for rituals. The… -
Wang Yan's Feihong Yanzhi Makeup
In the TV series When the Wild Geese Return, Wang Yan's character Aunt Zhou once said that wearing crimson red brightens the complexion. It seems she was right. In traditional Chinese colors, red is the most complexion - enhancing. Whether it's the bright red of the New Year or the peach pink of young girls, it brings to mind the vibrant spring. Actually, the crimson Wang Yan mentioned, judging from her attire, is more like 'Feihong' (妃红) or 'Yanzhi' (胭脂). The term 'Fei' color is related to clothing. One theory says it was originally 'Lychee Color' and became 'Yang Fei Color' because of Yang Guifei's love for lychees. Another theory is that it's named after the colors of her clothes. Anyway, 'Yang Fei Color' is linked to this Tang - Dynasty beauty. It's a milder version of crimson red. To understand its hue, we need to know about 'Fei' (绯) color. In ancient novels, 'Fei' robes describe women in fiery red. The character 'Fei' first appeared in Sui and Tang poetry and was defined by Xu Xuan in the Song Dynasty as 'a deep red dye for fabrics'. Historically, red was 'fire color', and 'Fei' is deeper, so 'Feihong' means… -
Chen Duling's Cdrama Hairstyle - Marriage Look
In the Cdrama When the Wild Geese Return, Chen Duling's post - marriage hairstyle surprised viewers: 'Why is this married hairstyle so odd? The ends just stick straight up!' In fact, this is the Sanlvtou (三绺头), a style popular among Han women in the late Ming Dynasty. The hairstyle features a 'wild goose tail' at the back, looking more dignified and steady. The Sanlvtou divides the hair into three sections: front, middle, and back. Each section is braided and gathered in a distinct way, thus getting the name 'Sanlvtou'. However, this hair - combing method can be traced back even earlier. For example, in the second act of The Box of Toiletries by an anonymous writer of the Yuan Dynasty, there is a line: 'Who would have thought that Kou Chengyu, a woman with the Sanlvtou hairstyle and two - piece clothing, has such loyalty.' Specifically, the Sanlvtou has two side strands called 'Lvebin (掠鬓)'. They frame the face like delicate clouds or cicada wings, so they are also poetically named 'Cloud - Like Hair' or 'Cicada - Wing Hair'. The front section of hair can be swept back, laid flat, or slightly raised, then tied with a red ribbon…- 0
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Ju Jingyi and Chen Duling's Floral Hairpin Styles
Recent behind - the - scenes photos from the film set featuring Ju Jingyi and Chen Duling’s floral hairpin styles have sparked heated discussions online. Some netizens pointed out that Chen’s look appears "overwhelmed by oversized flowers and a smaller head," creating a disproportional effect, while Ju’s styling aligns more closely with traditional aesthetics. Analysis reveals that these differences stem from distinct interpretations of Tang Dynasty floral adornment culture: Chen Duling’s Historical Inspiration Her hairstyle draws from the "high coiled bun" (峨髻, é jì) depicted in Zhou Fang’s iconic painting Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers (簪花仕女图). Historically, such buns required a height of 28 - 29 cm (Tang Dynasty measurement) to balance the visual weight of the floral ornaments. Modern adaptations often retain actors’ natural eyebrows rather than recreating the Tang practice of shaving and redrawing them, and today’s slimmer facial features make it challenging to replicate the original proportions. Netizens improved the balance by digitally raising the bun’s height and adding U - shaped hairpins for lateral symmetry. Ju Jingyi’s Styling Approach Her look adopts a classic Tang - Song era updo, featuring a center - parted front and a coiled top bun to elongate the silhouette…- 0
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Hairstyles for Kids in Historical Cdrama
Finally, in historical dramas like 'Family Business,' 'National Beauty and Fragrance,' and 'Joy of Life,' the appearance of many child characters has sparked netizen discussions: 'So this is how ancient children looked!' Let's start with the conclusion. Ancient children generally went through stages of shaving, growing, and tying their hair. Their hairstyles varied, similar to how kids grow today. Parents, take note: children wearing Hanfu don't need adult hairstyles; it's not awkward at all. Did you also dream of dressing and styling like adults as a kid? But it was just a fantasy. Some historical dramas, for dramatic effect, often give children adult hairstyles and even add crowns, turning them into 'mini - adults' without childlike charm. Ancient children usually tied their hair into buns around ages 15 - 16, when boys reached 'weak crown' (coming - of - age) or girls 'hairpin' (adulthood). Before that, they mostly wrapped their hair in colorful cloth, showing their playfulness and cuteness. Let's explore further. At first, children's hair was mostly fine 'fetal hair.' They often shaved and regrew it, as seen in ancient paintings. The top hair was usually styled into an inverted triangle, called 'tiáo.' You can feel the scene of… -
Yang Mi’s Tang Dynasty Makeup: The Story Behind the Two Red Dots
The Red Dots: More Than Just Decoration In the upcoming drama Lychees of Chang’an, Yang Mi’s Tang Dynasty-inspired makeup has sparked curiosity—particularly the two red dots near her lips. These are no random embellishments. Known as mianye (面靥, pronounced "myan-yeh"), they trace back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) and evolved into a symbol of sophistication during the Tang era (618–907 CE). Historical records, like Shuowen Jiezi (说文解字), define mianye as decorative marks near the dimples. Initially called dì (旳), they later took diverse forms—dots, crescent moons, floral shapes—and materials like gemstones, gold foil, or even dried botanicals. For example, Lingbiao Luyi (岭表录异) mentions using pressed flowers as eco-friendly alternatives. One theory links mianye to palace life. Concubines allegedly used these dots to discreetly signal menstruation, avoiding imperial duties. Over time, the practice trickled down to commoners, transforming into a beauty statement . By the Tang Dynasty, creativity soared: dots expanded to foreheads and temples, morphing into huadian (花钿, floral motifs) and zhenzhu zhuang (珍珠妆, pearl-studded designs). These weren’t just pretty—they softened facial lines, offering a timeless anti-aging hack. Tang women embraced maximalism. Imagine gold leaf swirls, ruby-studded cheeks, or peony-shaped mianye—all while maintaining harmony. Dunhuang murals reveal how…- 0
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The Power of Upward-Sweeping Eyebrows in Ancient Chinese Makeup
In the historical cdrama, actors Chen Jin and Xu Jiao portray characters with distinctive eyebrow styles that exude an undeniable aura of authority. Unlike conventional female characters whose eyebrows taper downward or remain straight, their eyebrow tails sweep dramatically upward. This unique style, known as Hanyan Mei (涵烟眉) or Fuyun Mei (拂云眉), was particularly popular during the early Tang Dynasty through the Wu Zhou period. Characterized by sharp inner corners and finely separated hairs at the tails, this eyebrow style sometimes featured a narrower, more arched peak, also referred to as Yuanshan Mei (远山眉). Ancient Chinese literature, such as the Fengguang Ci by a Tang Dynasty poetess, describes these eyebrows as ethereal as mist or drifting clouds. Their upward sweep not only added a touch of independence and confidence but also became a defining feature in murals and paintings from that era. Compared to the softer Juan Yan Mei (罥烟眉), Hanyan Mei was bolder and more vibrant, leaving a lasting impression. Modern adaptations in film and television have softened its intensity, blending strength with elegance. Modern Applications and Tips This eyebrow style, often seen in strong female roles like those in Zhang Xin, enhances facial structure by filling the temple… -
Lin Yun: The Most Fairy-like Ancient Hairstyle Revealed
The Evolution of Shuang Huan Wangxian Ji The hairstyle, known as Shuang Huan Wangxian Ji (双鬟望仙髻), has been hailed as the most iconic and popular fairy-like hairstyle, transcending age and time. Originating from the Shuang Huan Ji (双环髻), this hairstyle was initially designed for young girls. However, its ethereal beauty made it a frequent feature in divine paintings, such as the renowned Luoshen Fu Tu (洛神赋图) and the Eighty-Seven Immortals Scroll (八十七神仙卷). Over time, it evolved into a cultural phenomenon. During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties (魏晋南北朝), the high bun with double rings was prevalent. By the early Tang Dynasty (初唐), the Shuang Huan Wangxian Ji began to take shape, characterized by its round and full appearance. The hairstyle ranged from modest daily buns to exaggeratedly large ones, sometimes even matching the length of a face. By the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty (中晚唐), the contours of the hairstyle became wavy, adding a dynamic charm to its otherwise simple form. Popularity Across Dynasties In the Song Dynasty (宋代), this hairstyle became a fashion trend among commoners. Women adorned it with pearl accessories and simplified its originally exaggerated height, making it more wearable for daily life. However, by the Ming… -
The Mystery of the Hairpin Flower in Court Ladies
The Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers painting has inspired numerous costume dramas, including Dream of Splendor, National Beauty and Fragrance, and Peaceful Year. But how accurate are these adaptations? Let's delve into the authentic portrayal of court ladies from the Five Dynasties period. The Iconic Hairstyle and Its Origins The hairstyle seen in these dramas is inspired by the noblewomen depicted in Zhou Fang's (disputed authorship) Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers. Characterized by towering buns adorned with hairpins and floral decorations, it exudes elegance. However, the clothing patterns and styles suggest a late Tang or Five Dynasties origin rather than the Tang Dynasty. Floral Patterns: Tang vs. Five Dynasties There's a noticeable difference between the floral patterns of the High Tang and late Tang/Five Dynasties. High Tang designs feature clustered, cohesive flowers, while late Tang/Five Dynasties styles are more scattered with paired flowers and leaves. This distinction helps date the painting to the late Tang or later. The Hairpin Flower Controversy Shen Congwen speculated that the prominent hairpin flowers might have been added by Song Dynasty artists. The painting shows women with loose, cloud - like hair adorned with golden hairpins, making the addition of large…- 0
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The Art of Ancient Chinese Yunbin Hairstyles
In modern times, people often think of bangs as the only way to decorate the forehead. However, in ancient China, there were various methods such as sticking Huadian (花钿), wearing forehead scarves, headbands, or applying forehead decorations. Today, let's talk about Yunbin (云鬓), a hairstyle made directly from one's own hair to cover the hairline. Yunbin, commonly seen in the Song Dynasty, is also known as Yun Jian Qiao E (云尖巧额). It involves curling a few strands of hair on the forehead or temples to create a layered, cloud-like effect. This not only helps to cover the hairline and temples but also adds a touch of elegance and grace to a woman's appearance. As described in The Ballad of Mulan: "She combs her cloud-like hair by the window and adorns her forehead with yellow flowers." According to Feng Chuang Xiao Bu from the Song Dynasty, "During the Chongning period, people preferred large bangs and square foreheads. By the Zhenghe and Xuanhe eras, tight buns hanging to the shoulders were in vogue. After the Xuanhe period, Yun Jian Qiao E and golden phoenix hairpins became popular." This shows how ancient Chinese used their own hair to create various styles, including Yunbin,… -
The Makeup and Costumes in Five Blessings
Fans have pointed out that it's hard to distinguish characters in the drama 'Five Blessings' due to the overly similar makeup and costumes. Despite the actors' good looks, the lack of individuality in their styling makes them blend together, leading to visual fatigue. The issue isn't just limited to facial features; even from a distance, characters are indistinguishable because of their nearly identical outfits and hairstyles. The female characters, without exception, sport center - parted bangs with either a single or double bun, occasionally varied by additional hair accessories. Their eye makeup, eyebrows, and lip colors are almost identical. The costumes predominantly feature Beizi (褙子) from the Southern Song Dynasty, with occasional Northern Song - style cross - collar robes and wide - sleeved gowns. The fabrics and color schemes are so uniform that even changes in a character's marital status—like switching from loose hair to an updo—fail to make a noticeable difference. This problem isn't unique to 'Five Blessings.' Many modern historical dramas prioritize template - based styling over character - specific designs, reinforcing cultural stereotypes. Unlike dramas such as 'National Beauty' or 'Pearl Curtain,' where each character's makeup and costumes evolve with their roles and settings, 'Five Blessings'…- 0
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Why Nezha Always Has Bun Hairstyle?
The recent release of 'Nezha: The Devil Boy's Havoc' (Nezha 2) has reignited discussions about the iconic bun hairstyle that seems to define Nezha's appearance across various adaptations. Is it a coincidence or a stereotype? Netizens joke: 'Nezha can change his fate, but not his hairstyle.' The origin of the 'bun hairstyle' can be traced back to ancient China, where it was one of the many hairstyles popular among women. Its roots lie in the 'double bun' style, which was highly fashionable during that era. Excavated pottery figurines vividly depict the societal admiration for delicate feminine beauty. This trend even influenced ancient Japanese fashion, particularly during the Nara period. Historical dramas like NHK's 'The Great Buddha Opening Eyes,' set in Nara, showcase characters adorned with Tang Dynasty - inspired double - bun hairstyles. In Chinese history, children's double - bun hairstyles were referred to as 'Zongjiao.' Ancient texts emphasize the importance of preserving one's hair as a sign of filial piety. From around eight or nine years old, Han children, regardless of gender, would part their hair into two small buns resembling horns, hence the name 'Zongjiao.' Girls' buns were often styled like branching twigs, known as 'Yaji,' which led…- 0
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Wang Churan's Hanfu Style Sparks Debate on Traditional Hairstyle
During the CCTV program 'Golden Snake Dance • Chinese New Year Flavor,' Wang Churan appeared in traditional Hanfu attire, but her hairstyle raised eyebrows among some netizens. They questioned whether the two strands of hair in front resembled the Japanese 'hime cut.' To clarify, this hairstyle, known as 'Chuixiao Ji,' can be traced back to ancient Chinese paintings like 'The Admonitions Scroll' and 'The Wise and Benevolent Women.' It was popular during the Han and Jin dynasties, with origins dating back to the Warring States period. The hairstyle features neatly trimmed bangs that reach the eyebrow line, with strands hanging down the sides, a style also referred to as 'Fenxiao.' Historical artifacts, such as the jade dancer figurine from the Jin Village Tomb in Luoyang, depict this hairstyle, showcasing its cultural significance. Wang's headpiece, a gold 'Buyao' (hair ornament) from Liangzhou, Gansu, is styled as 'One Sparrow, Four Flowers,' symbolizing nobility during the Han Dynasty. The Buyao was typically worn in pairs, swaying with movement, embodying the elegance of noblewomen from the Han to Wei - Jin periods. The Chuixiao hairstyle not only framed the face but also reflected the ethereal aesthetic influenced by Confucian and Daoist ideals. However, modern…- 0
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The Tang Dynasty Hairstyles: Hair Buns Wrapping Face
Have you ever wondered why women in Tang Dynasty-themed films and TV shows often appear 'top-heavy'? It's not an illusion! In classical makeup and styling, the hairstyles of the mid to late Tang Dynasty are famously referred to as 'big heads.' But why? Just take a look at the number of hair buns atop their heads. The trend of 'big heads' actually began to emerge as early as the late Eastern Han Dynasty, when noblewomen started favoring high buns, considering them a mark of beauty. The Tang Dynasty took this trend to its peak, leading to the creation of various types of artificial hairpieces (Yiji) specifically for high buns. What did women do if they wanted to achieve this look but lacked enough hair? They simply wore artificial hairpieces. Common materials for Yiji included real hair or wooden substitutes. For example, this spiral-shaped Yiji was made from 'fake hair,' lined with hemp cloth, wrapped with palm fibers, and dyed to create a spiral shape. It could be easily pressed onto the head, showcasing both antiquity and craftsmanship. The materials for Yiji were diverse, not limited to real hair. Thin wooden pieces were also used. One such example is the lacquered…- 0
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The Ancient Hairstyles of Young Maidens in Historical Dramas
In the historical drama 'Guo Se Fang Hua,' the portrayal of Yulu's maid has left a deep impression on viewers. Many netizens have humorously remarked, 'Did this hairstyle escape from a museum?' Indeed, the double - bun hairstyle, a signature look for young maidens in ancient times, holds a special place in traditional aesthetics. This hairstyle, known as Shuang Ji (双髻), was commonly worn by unmarried women, palace maids, and young servants, symbolizing youth and innocence. The Shuang Ji can be further categorized based on its shape and drooping style, such as Shuang Huan Ji (双鬟髻), Shuang Luo Ji (双螺髻), and Shuang Ya Ji (双丫髻). The foundational feature of this hairstyle is the division of hair into two equal parts, creating a symmetrical look. Each side is meticulously coiled into a small bun, typically positioned on either side of the head. The drooping version is poetically referred to as 'Shuang Chui Ji' (双垂髻). Additionally, variations like the Mao Ji (卯髻), characterized by its crescent shape, and the Huan Ji (鬟髻), featuring ring - like buns, add diversity to this traditional style. The Huan Ji often appears in pairs but can also be seen in multiples, with three or more buns… -
The Ancient Chinese Drunk Blush Makeup Trend
Have you ever wondered why some classical Chinese portraits depict women with strikingly red cheeks that almost look like bruises? This distinctive look is actually an intentional and celebrated makeup style from ancient China called Jiuyun Zhuang (酒晕妆), or "Drunk Blush Makeup." This bold cosmetic trend originated during the prosperous Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD), particularly popular during Empress Wu Zetian's reign. The style involved applying vibrant red pigment across large portions of the face - not just the cheeks, but often extending to the eyelids, jawline, and even ears. Historical records from the Zhuangtai Ji (妆台记), an ancient Chinese cosmetic manual, describe three intensity levels of this look: the most dramatic Jiuyun Zhuang (Drunk Blush), the softer Taohua Zhuang (Peach Blossom Makeup), and the subtle Feixia Zhuang (Flying Sunset Makeup). Beauty Standard of the Time What modern eyes might perceive as excessive was actually a sophisticated beauty standard of its time. The warm Wozhe (渥赭) hue - a traditional pigment made from cinnabar and ink - served multiple purposes: enhancing healthy complexion, creating facial dimension, and projecting an image of vitality. During mid - Tang period, women often paired this look with bold eyebrows for an even more…- 0
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The Art of Huadian in Ancient Chinese Beauty
Have you ever thought that Huadian (花钿) were merely painted on? Sharp - eyed netizens have discovered that the Huadian in the drama 'Guo Se Fang Hua' are actually three - dimensional. Compared to painted ones, these gemstone Huadian showcase more intricate details and textures. To begin with, the Huadian worn by ancient Chinese women were not only vibrant in color but also diverse in materials. Beyond the traditional cinnabar outlines, they included gold foil, gemstones, pearls, and kingfisher feathers. During the Tang Dynasty, it was quite common for women to adorn their foreheads with Huadian. Historical records, such as Tang Li Fuyan's 'Xu Xuan Guai Lu·Ding Hun Dian,' mention Wei Gu's wife who 'always wore a Huadian between her eyebrows, never removing it even during baths or leisure.' By the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, some women even covered nearly their entire faces with Huadian, reflecting the trend's popularity. For instance, red Huadian, outlined with cinnabar, were so vividly colored that Tang poet Bai Juyi wrote in 'Banquet at Zhou Hao's Guangfu Residence': 'Red cherries pale in comparison to the Huadian's brilliance.' Gold foil Huadian, also known as 'Jindian' (金钿), were so delicate they resembled cicada wings, earning…- 0
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Ancient Chinese Lipstick: Beyond the Paper Stunt
In countless historical dramas, we often see female characters pressing a red paper to their lips for instant color. This raises an intriguing question: Was this actually a historical practice? The answer reveals far more sophistication in ancient Chinese cosmetics than modern audiences might assume. Ancient China developed lip color products called Kouzhi (口脂) or Chunzhi (唇脂) as early as the Northern Wei Dynasty. Agricultural scientist Jia Sixie documented their production in Qimin Yaoshu: "When marrow is scarce, blend with beef tallow. Without marrow, tallow alone suffices. Steep cloves and patchouli in warm wine. Simmer with equal parts moisture - retaining agents, adding artemisia for color enhancement. Filter through silk into porcelain or lacquerware to solidify. For lip balm, mix with vermilion and wrap in green oil." Historical lip colors included: 💄 Jiangse (绛色): The quintessential "China red" described in Shuowen Jiezi as "grand crimson," immortalized in poetry like "Silent are the crimson lips and beaded sleeves." 💄 Zhuhong (朱红): A red - orange hybrid resembling imperial palace walls, praised as "Fragrant balm precedes vermilion lips' movement." 💄 Tanse (檀色): A light mauve akin to modern nude shades, depicted as "Delicate green imprints eyebrow traces, while pale tan tints fading…- 1
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Zhao Lusi's Tang Style Evolution in Pearl Curtain and Jade Screen
Zhao Lusi's latest Tang Dynasty-inspired look in 'Pearl Curtain and Jade Screen' has fans reminiscing about her iconic Le Yan (乐嫣) character from 'The Long Ballad' (长歌行). While both styles draw from the Tang Dynasty aesthetic, there are notable differences that showcase her versatility in portraying historical roles. Le Yan's Hairstyle in 'The Long Ballad' In 'The Long Ballad', Zhao's Le Yan character sported the classic 'Bunny Ear' hairstyle, known as Baiheji (百合髻) or Lily Bun. This double-bun style, often with a center part or crisscross design, was popular during Emperor Taizong's reign (627 - 649 AD). Historical records from Ma Gao's 'Notes of Past and Present China' describe it as one of the signature hairstyles of early Tang Dynasty, perfectly complementing Zhao's sweet and youthful appearance. Hairstyle in 'Pearl Curtain and Jade Screen' The 'Pearl Curtain and Jade Screen' presents a more mature interpretation of Tang fashion. Zhao's character wears a single bun hairstyle, reminiscent of the Qiu Ji (囚髻) or Prisoner's Bun popular in mid - late Tang Dynasty. The styling features thinner, more voluminous sideburns creating a 'Chan Bin' (蝉鬓) or Cicada Wing effect - a delicate framing technique that mimics the transparency of cicada wings using… -
Ren Min's Eyebrow Transformation in Splendid Peace
In the popular drama 'Splendid Peace,' Ren Min's makeup has garnered significant attention, particularly her eyebrows, which dramatically enhance her facial features. In traditional Chinese makeup, the 'Emei' (蛾眉) or 'Moth Eyebrows' have been a long - standing trend. Described in ancient texts like 'Chu Ci' (楚辞) and 'Li Sao' (离骚), these eyebrows are slender, curved, and long, resembling the antennae of a silkworm moth. Historically, silkworm farming was a vital agricultural tradition, and even empresses participated in sericulture rituals, making the moth - inspired makeup unsurprising. Over time, the term 'Emei' evolved from a specific style to a general reference for various eyebrow shapes. For instance, during the Tang and Song dynasties, styles like 'Echi' (蛾翅) or 'Chuizhu Mei' (垂珠眉) emerged. In 'Splendid Peace,' Ren Min sports the 'Yueleng Mei' (月棱眉), also known as 'Qu Yue Mei' (却月眉), which resembles a crescent moon with a sharp upper edge and a softly blended lower edge. Other similar styles include 'Lianjuan Mei' (连娟眉), 'Liu Ye Mei' (柳叶眉), and 'Yuanshan Mei' (远山眉). These curved, elongated eyebrows suit most face shapes but are particularly flattering for round or broad faces, adding a sense of space and layered beauty reminiscent of Chinese ink paintings.… -
The Revival of Authentic Child Hairstyles in Period Dramas
A Shift Towards Historical Accuracy For years, historical dramas have enchanted audiences with their lavish costumes, intricate sets, and grand storytelling. However, one aspect often overlooked is the accuracy of children’s hairstyles. Many period dramas have traditionally styled young characters with adult-like hairdos, giving them a "miniature adult" appearance that lacks the playful authenticity of childhood. Recently, however, a shift has begun, and productions like Jia Ye (家业), Flourished Peony (国色芳华), and Joy of Life (庆余年) are finally embracing historically accurate child hairstyles, leading viewers to exclaim: "So this is what ancient children really looked like!" The Evolution of Child Hairstyles in Ancient China Ancient Chinese children's hairstyles were far from uniform; they evolved through different stages as the child grew. Similar to modern times, children in historical China had distinct hair grooming traditions, beginning with shaved heads in infancy, moving to partially grown and styled hair, and eventually progressing to more formal hairstyles in adolescence. The idea that children must wear miniature versions of adult hairstyles is a modern misconception that certain period dramas are now correcting. Infancy: The Shaved or Minimal Hair Phase In early childhood, many children had their heads shaved regularly to promote hair growth, a… -
Ming Dynasty Jewelry in "Nirvana in Fire 2"
As someone deeply passionate about historical clothing and accessories, people often ask me: "Does your knowledge of ancient fashion ruin your enjoyment of period dramas?" The answer is—quite the opposite! In fact, it adds another layer of enjoyment, turning each viewing into a treasure hunt for accurate details (or amusing anachronisms). Take "Nirvana in Fire 2" (琅琊榜之风起长林), for example. The series boasts stunning visuals, but as I watched, I couldn't help but notice a curious detail—the jewelry worn by characters like Empress Xun (荀皇后) and the Grand Lady of Laiyang (莱阳太夫人) bore striking similarities to Ming Dynasty designs. However, their application in the drama was... unconventional, to say the least. It appears that the production team sourced historically inspired pieces but missed the mark on how they were actually worn. Filigree Gold Phoenix Hairpins One of the most eye-catching pieces worn by Empress Xun is a set of three gold phoenix hairpins (累丝嵌宝石金凤簪). These exquisite accessories have a real-life counterpart: they are modeled after jewelry unearthed from Ming Dynasty imperial tombs in the western suburbs of Beijing. These tombs, unfortunately looted and excavated long ago, left behind only fragments of their once-lavish burial artifacts, yet what remains showcases remarkable craftsmanship.…
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