Yong-Shen Xuan,
The Dragon Lover and Other Chinese Proverbs.
Shen's Books, 1999

The paper-cut works in this book are not only unique but also breathtakingly beautiful Xuan produces art masterpieces that are both bold and delicate. Be it a heavenly dragon in flight or a crane caught in the clutches of a clam, Xuan's works all pulsate with the tremulous joy of life. The Chinese proverbs themselves are likewise admirable in their forthright moral themes of honesty and humility. A welcome bonus is the Chinese version of the tale unobtrusively featured alongside each page. Seeing the Chinese text next to the illustrations makes one realize how language itself, in its very written form, is a beautiful art. Xuan's book bestows upon the reader the precious gift of both a fine collection of proverbs and amazingly lovely art.

Fatima Lim-Wilson