22.

Gu Yuan (1919-96)

Xiang Lin’s Wife, an Illustration to the Short Story ‘New Year’s Sacrifice’ by Lu Xun

1956

Woodblock print

39 x 26 cm

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Many artists have portrayed the principal character of New Year’s Sacrifice, Lu Xun's scathing indictment of female subordination in traditional Chinese society. She is not even referred to by name, only as Xiang Lin’s Wife. A young widow, she is kidnapped by her former in-laws and forced to re-marry for their financial benefit. Her husband and son by the second marriage both die, leaving her traumatized and unwelcome as an unlucky widow, and she herself dies on New Year’s Eve.

Muban Educational Trust registration number guvyv008