The Art of the Hairy Monkey unveils the world of máohóu, an obscure, satirical folk art from Beijing dating 200 years.
Tiny, mischievous figures are crafted from materials used in traditional Chinese medicine: cicada shells and magnolia buds. These miniature characters are placed in rich dioramas that mirror society with wit, irony and gentle provocation. Long practiced yet rarely documented, the tradition of the “Hairy Monkey” has recently been recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage in China.
This is the first dedicated publication on the subject outside its country of origin. The book sits at the crossroads of social satire, folk art, miniature sculpture and art photography. It will intrigue readers drawn to Chinese culture, subversive humour and overlooked artistic traditions.
Design: Jordi de Vetten & Simon Wald-Lasowski.
