“Northern Shaanxi Girl” is a renowned woodcut print by Chinese artist Li Qun from 1941. It portrays a young woman from Shaanxi province’s northern region using the traditional woodcut printing technique. The artwork is acclaimed for its representation of the resilience and beauty of Shaanxi women, capturing the essence of rural life and the simplicity of daily existence in the region. Li Qun, known for his focus on rural life and social themes in his woodcut prints, created this piece as a symbol of the spirit and character of the people of Shaanxi province.
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,