Li Shisan Pushes the Mill

Honored to design for Chen Zhongshi, a Mao Dun Prize-winning literary giant, this cover blends shadow puppets and paper-cut art to mirror the novel’s soul. The puppets embody Li Shisan’s artistic struggle and unseen societal forces, while the fragile yet intricate paper-cuts reflect grassroots resilience. Red-black hues echo rural life’s raw vitality and hardship, honoring Chen’s tale of tradition and quiet perseverance.