Li Qun’s woodblock print Prime Minister Zhou and Girl beautifully captures an intimate moment between Zhou Enlai and a young girl, as she leans in to whisper in his ear. Zhou listens attentively, a warm smile on his face, reflecting his genuine connection to the people. The image conveys a sense of trust and closeness, emphasising Zhou’s approachability and his deep care for the concerns of even the youngest citizens. Li Qun was inspired by Zhou’s reputation as a compassionate leader, whose interactions were marked by kindness and empathy, making this moment of quiet exchange both personal and symbolic of the bond between leadership and the people.
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,