French international student Améline, who holds a dual degree in computer engineering and global design, is accustomed to creating with digital tools. She was curious: in ancient times, without computers, how did Chinese artisans “program” such intricate patterns? With this question in mind, she followed host Scarlett to meet Cui Fenghua, a representative inheritor of Yan-style Chinese opera facial mask.

Traditional Chinese opera facial makeup encompasses those used in Peking Opera as well as various regional Chinese opera genres, embodying Chinese totems and mask culture. It uses color to define a character’s personality: red for loyalty and bravery, blue for valor and courage, yellow for ferocity, green for recklessness, black for integrity, and white for cunning. This chromatic design language filled Améline with a sense of novelty and awe. Master Cui has been deeply engaged in both preservation and innovation, integrating facial makeup artistry into tea ware, tea pets, and other cultural and creative products, allowing this time-honored intangible cultural heritage to truly integrate into people’s daily lives.

While experiencing hand-painted clay mask coloring, Améline was absorbed yet nervous, applying each brushstroke with extraordinary care. Then, Master Cui painted the facial makeup of Zhurong, the God of Fire from Investiture of the Gods, onto her face — half Parisian girl, half mythic Chinese deity, creating a stunning fusion of Chinese and Western aesthetics on her face. From hand-painted clay masks to oil-painted facial makeup, traditional Chinese opera facial makeup has become a wonderful bridge connecting French aesthetic sensibilities with Chinese culture, allowing traditional artistry to bloom anew in cross-cultural dialogue.