26.

Zhao Yannian (1924-2014)

An Illustration Lu Xun’s Short Story Kong Yiji

1975

Woodblock print

17 x 13 cm

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Kong Yiji drinks at the Xianheng wine tavern in the fictional town of Luzhen, where Lu Xun set many stories. The narrator describes the layout of the tavern, the available drinks and snacks, and several of the customers. Kong Yiji, with a grizzly beard and in a worn-out, dirty robe, is the only one who stands while drinking his usual bowl or two of warm wine with anise beans—whatever he can afford or get on credit.

Muban Educational Trust registration number zhayn007