Props used in Chinese opera are often suggestive and require mimed actions to complete the representation. Stage sets are also minimal as action is conveyed instead by the actor’s movements. For example, the audience discerns the presence of a door from the actor miming the unbolting and opening of an imaginary door, stepping over a threshold and closing of the door. Chinese opera roles are classified into four main types: ‘dan’ (female characters), ‘sheng’ (male characters), ‘jing’ (male characters with painted faces) and ‘chou’ (clown). Each type of role has its own subcategories, performance style, make-up and costume. The symbols of the peony and phoenix on the handcuffs indicate that this prop would be used by a female character.
