23.

Chen Zunsan (b. 1929)

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

by Lu Xun

1981

Woodblock print

42 x 33 cm

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Chen Zunsan studied in the Soviet Union during the 1950s, where he was known for illustrating the stories of Anton Chekhov. Back in China, he was an illustrator of lianhuanhua—serial picture books important in early literacy and propaganda campaigns and still popular today. He made this grim portrayal of Xiang Lin’s wife in 1981, showing the continuing relevance of Lu Xun’s critique of women’s inequality, superstition and people’s callousness.

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Muban Educational Trust registration number chezs001