This framed wall hanging features Mu Guiying in traditional Beijing opera costume and makeup.  Mu is one of the few female military officials in Chinese history.  This item is hand cast and hand painted following the traidtional design.  Mu wears the flags on her back which indicates she is a general.  She holds a horse whip, representing she is riding a horse in Beijing opera.  

Mu Guiying lived during the warring period of the Northern Song Dynasty (960~1127). Her father, originally an imperial official, was falsely accused by corrupt officials and forced to flee to a mountain. There he established his own Robin Hood-style band of outlaws that robbed the rich to give to the poor. Having grown up in her father’s mountain fortress, Mu Guiying mastered military skills and became a resolute and courageous character.