China's Traditional Kunqu Opera

([China]: CAV Television Production Co., no date). 224 x 181 mm; laminated pictorial wrappers; pp. 103 + (i); full-colour photographs, and reproductions of contemporary artwork. Fine condition. 'On May 18, 2001, China's traditional Kunqu opera was added to UNESCO's list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity." Kunqu opera is China's oldest existing dramatic art form. Deeply rooted in the traditional culture of ancient China, its artistic, literary, and historical value is incalculable. Like humanity's other art forms, Kunqu opera underwent an extended process of emergence, development, and maturation. Along this winding road, Kunqu absorbed influences from many different sources. ... Kunqu opera fully expresses China's traditional aesthetic and ethical values. In this art form may be seen not only ancient Chinese music and dance, but also vignettes of life from every level of classical Chinese society. It may be said that Kunqu opera offers the entire world a window through which to observe at firsthand China's traditional culture and spirit.' There is a useful appendix containing a page-length synopsis for each of eleven classical Kunqu operas. .