“Rest” a 1941 woodcut by Li Qun, depicts a farmer seated on a straw bale with a calf sniffing grass from his hand, while a bull observes in the distance. This serene image documents the importance of rest and harmony with nature in rural life. It portrays the farmer’s tranquility and connection with the environment, emphasising the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals. Overall, “Rest” conveys themes of nurturing, care, and appreciation for the simple pleasures of agricultural life, serving as a poignant reminder of the beauty found in moments of respite amidst the demands of farming and China’s unrest at the time.

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,































