Illustrated Bestiary
Visual guides to the fantastical creatures of Shanhaijing with historical illustrations
5 articles
East vs. West: Comparing Mythical Creatures Across Cultures
Chinese dragons vs. European dragons, Phoenix vs. Fenghuang, Qilin vs. Unicorn — how do the great mythical beasts of East and West compare?
How to Read the Shanhai Jing: A Beginner's Guide
The Classic of Mountains and Seas can be overwhelming. Here's how to approach this ancient text and get the most from its wonders.
How Shanhai Jing Inspired Modern Fantasy Art and Design
From ancient scroll paintings to AAA video game concept art — how the world's oldest bestiary became a goldmine for contemporary creators.
The Illustrated Shanhaijing: How Artists Have Imagined the Unimaginable
The Shanhaijing has been illustrated for over a thousand years. Each era's artists bring their own style, their own assumptions, and their own fears to...
The Illustrated Shanhaijing: How Artists Have Imagined the Unimaginable for Two Thousand Years
The original text has no surviving illustrations. Every image you have seen of Shanhaijing creatures is someone's interpretation — and the interpretations...