Li Qun’s woodcut print of Commander in Chief Zhu De depicts Zhu De, a key military leader and co-founder of the Chinese Red Army during the Chinese Revolution. This woodcut was widely used in publications during both the anti-Japanese war and the civil struggle between the Communist Party and Nationalist forces. As a key figure in the Chinese woodcut movement, Li Qun’s work embodied the revolutionary spirit, using art to inspire solidarity and support for the Communist cause. This portrait of Zhu De not only celebrated his military leadership but also served as a powerful tool for political messaging during a transformative period in China’s history.
Childhood 1912-1930
A village childhood Li Qun’s roots trace back to a quaint mountain village, an enclave characterised by a mere six courtyards and ten households in its nascent years. This hamlet, situated in Lingshi County, Shanxi Province, earned its identity as Hao Jia Zhang. Positioned to the east of Fenhe River,