Zhang Xiao: Community Fire - Hardcover

Zhang Xiao: Community Fire - Hardcover

$72.80
$72.80
Skip to product information
Zhang Xiao: Community Fire - Hardcover
  • Zhang Xiao: Community Fire - Hardcover
Zhang Xiao: Community Fire - Hardcover

Zhang Xiao: Community Fire - Hardcover

$72.80
$72.80

by Xiao Zhang (Photographer), Ning Ou (Text by (Art/Photo Books)), Ilisa Barbash (Text by (Art/Photo Books))


In his project Community Fire, the photographer Zhang Xiao takes a local, hometown look at Shehuo (社火), a Chinese Spring Festival tradition celebrated in rural Northern Chinese communities that includes temple fairs, dragon dances, and storytelling.


Shehuo-- literally, "community fire"--is devoted to the worship of land and fire, and boasts a history of many thousands of years. During the festival, people hold ceremonies, pray for the next year's good harvest, and confer blessings of peace and safety on all family members. However, what was once a heterogeneous cultural tradition with myriad regional variations has largely become a tourist-facing, consumption-oriented enterprise. In the early 2000s, Shehuo received an "intangible cultural heritage" designation from the People's Republic of China, resulting in increased funding in exchange for greater government involvement. While altering the practitioners' relation to Shehuo, this change expresses itself most visually in the way costumes and props have been replaced with newer, cheaper products from online shopping websites.


Zhang's colorful and fantastical photographs capture how these mass-produced substitutions have transformed the practice of Shehuo. Community Fire--with essays in English and Chinese--is a dynamic visual exploration of one of China's oldest traditions.


Copublished by Aperture and Peabody Museum Press

Number of Pages: 192
Dimensions: 0.9 x 9.4 x 7.4 IN
Illustrated: Yes
Publication Date: August 08, 2023

Intentional design

We make things that work better and last longer. Our products solve real problems with clean design.

Quality first

We obsess over the details and strive to deliver the best products at the best prices, every time.

Customer care

We're always on your side: keeping our loyal customers happy is our top priority and number one goal.

Feature 1

Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers, this signature bestseller exceeds all expectations.

Feature 2

Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers, this signature bestseller exceeds all expectations.

At the heart of every product lies a unique story, driven by our passion for quality and innovation. Each item enhances your everyday life and sparks joy.