Zhu Biao - White Twisted Flowered Face

Slanting, Twisted or Asymmetric Face

As the name suggests, this is a rather uncomely makeup used chiefly to represent a thug or an accomplish in a crime. The facial features are painted asymmetrically, the idea being that the character is a dishonest person that will use devious means to gain an end. The composition is based on that of broken-flower and three-tile faces: a great variety of colors is used, and the face may be clean shaven or wear a zha beard. In special cases a slanting face may represent a positive role.

Another example is Zhu Biao in he opera "Three Attacks on the Zhu Family village," an episode from "Outlaws of the Marsh." According to the novel. Zhu Biao is a handsome young man, but on the Beijing opera stage he is depicted with a disgusting slanting (twisted) face. His fiance was kidnapped by outlaws of Liangshan, and at the news his face was contorted with rage and anxiety. Apparently the designer of the painted face chose to portray him in this ugly mood.