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In pictures: the Mei dynasty remembered as opera star Mei Baojiu dies

Incredible photographs show family which boasted several generations of operatic performers

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Mei Lanfang (centre) and son Mei Baojiu (left) with Peking opera master Yu Zhenfei in a performance of the Broken Bridge.

An era in modern Peking opera came to an end this week with the death of one of its finest practitioners, Mei Baojiu. Born in 1934, Mei was the son of Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), one of the most famous opera stars of modern times who was known for his Dan, or female, roles. Imaginechina, China News Service and China Foto Press provided these photographs of this remarkable artistic family.

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Peking opera master Mei Lanfang dressed for a fairytale opera play in his early performing career. Photo: Imaginechina
Peking opera master Mei Lanfang dressed for a fairytale opera play in his early performing career. Photo: Imaginechina
Peking opera master Mei Baojiu looks at the statue of his father Mei Lanfang which was unveiled at the Mei Lanfang Opera House in China's capital city Beijing on November 23, 2007. Photo: China News Service
Peking opera master Mei Baojiu looks at the statue of his father Mei Lanfang which was unveiled at the Mei Lanfang Opera House in China's capital city Beijing on November 23, 2007. Photo: China News Service
新華社照 Mei Baojiu. Photo: Xinhua
新華社照 Mei Baojiu. Photo: Xinhua
Mei Baojiu. Photo: SCMP Pictures
Mei Baojiu. Photo: SCMP Pictures
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Mei Baojiu performs in the Drunk Concubine in November 2002. Photo: China News Service
Mei Baojiu performs in the Drunk Concubine in November 2002. Photo: China News Service
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