14-17.

Zhang Huaijiang (1922-1989)

Illustrations to the Short Story Diary of a Madman by Lu Xun (4 of 40 works)

1980

Woodblock prints

20 x 17 cm

Diary of a Madman is often referred to as China’s first modern short story, written by Lu Xun in vernacular Chinese rather than classical. Inspired by Nikolai Gogol’s (1809-52) story of the same name, it depicts a ‘madman’ who sees cannibalism everywhere. Zhang’s illustrations are as dark as the story’s rendering of China. Zhang began making revolutionary prints in the 1940s. He was condemned as a rightist in 1957 but was later rehabilitated and returned to an official position.

Muban Educational Trust registration number zhahj101, 134, 138, 140