On the Frontier • Chapter One

Inspired by the Tang Dynasty (618-907) poem On the Frontier•Chapter One written by Wang Changling (698-757), this group of illustrations describes the surrounding mountains and river shaking to imply the desolation and chaos of the world. Additionally, black smoke has been added to represent the rising smoke on the battlefield. The scene of soldiers going to war and never returning confirms the tragic outcome described as "The Long March, with no one returning". The illustrations use dark tones to convey the oppression of the journey. By contrasting the shaking mountains and rivers with the stillness of people, it highlights the cruelty of war and the unrest of the era.