"In China, magpies (xique) are seen as messengers of joy," says Xiang, elaborating on the auspicious details of the curtain patterns. "There is an old saying in China — xishang meishao (happiness up to the eyebrows), so on the top of the curtain, pairs of magpies (representing happiness and auspiciousness) are embroidered standing on top of the branches of a plum blossom tree (homophonic with 'eyebrows')."

Mei Lanfang died in Beijing at the age of 67. His ninth son, Mei Baojiu (1934-2016), also performed as a nandan, trained young Peking Opera artists and passed on his father's legacy.

Other highlights in the exhibition include Mei Lanfang's contribution to the country's art development after he served as the first president of the China National Peking Opera Company in 1950 and the first director of the China Institute of Traditional Chinese Operas in 1951, which later became the Chinese National Academy of Arts.

Wang Yong, current president of the China National Peking Opera Company, says: "As a visitor, I was touched to see this exhibition, which traces Mei Lanfang's artistic evolution from a prodigious young performer to the maestro who revolutionized Peking Opera, particularly through his mastery of nandan roles, female characters portrayed with unparalleled grace and sensitivity.

"Our company has been training young artists to keep Mei Lanfang's legacy alive; not only his artistic style but also his artist spirit," Wang adds.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn