Beyond tradition

Although many admire his design philosophy, with some even calling him an artist, Li humbly insists that he is simply an artisan.

"Artists express their emotions through their works, while I simply aim to recreate Chinese aesthetics and bring joy to my audience," he explained.

For Li, it's not essential for people to fully understand the history behind each piece. It's enough if his work provides them with an opportunity to "pause and appreciate beauty".

"Each fan reflects the spirit of craftsmanship, heritage, and the quiet joy of creation," Li said.

In recent years, Li has embraced new horizons by integrating Western elements into his designs, creating a universal language of art.

"As China engages more deeply with global cultures, Chinese aesthetics also resonate abroad," he noted. "For example, a traditional round fan's silk surface can pair beautifully with sleek metal accents."

Despite widespread admiration, Li refuses to commercialize his work, choosing to focus on small-batch creations. In an era dominated by mass production and livestream sales, he remains steadfast in his principles.

"My designs require rare materials and weeks of labor. They'll never be 'bestsellers', but I'm satisfied pursuing authenticity and artistry," he said. "Every day, I sketch designs while watching TV — simple as that, and it makes me really happy."

This lifestyle reflects the essence of his studio's name, Shixianju, inspired by a book by Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) scholar Gao Lian. Through it, Li finds harmony between art and life.

"For me, making round fans isn't a job or business — it's the heartbeat of my existence," he said.