Li Qun created this portrait of Comrade Mao Zedong to honour his leadership. The woodcut was widely featured in publications during both the anti-Japanese war and the civil conflict between the Communist Party and Nationalist forces. As a prominent figure in the Chinese woodcut movement, Li Qun used his art to reflect revolutionary ideals and promote Mao’s vision. This portrait of Mao Zedong not only celebrated his role as the ideological and political leader of the Communist movement but also served as a crucial tool for disseminating political propaganda during a critical period in China’s transformation.
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,