“Li Ji” is one of my favorite stories from the third-century text In Search of the Supernatural. I aimed to shed a different light on this traditional story through this picture book.In an attempt to reflect how unique Li Ji’s story is, I tried my best to avoid shaping her image into that of a “standard” Chinese or Eastern heroine like Mulan. I also avoided composing the story’s images with so-called (and reductive) “Chinese elements” such as the color red; exquisite, detailed patterns; or flowing shapes. However, the whole book is painted in shuimo (traditional Chinese ink and brush), to capture a simple and rustic feeling.
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