FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Character Design Project "Balhae" by Ziwan Li

Ziwan Li's "Balhae" character design project is a visual homage to the lost civilization of Balhae, blending history and fantasy through art. Set in the flourishing ancient kingdom of Balhae in 926 CE, the story follows apprentice Junghyae and her mentor, Master Yoo, on a journey to Gyeru village. Their task is to banish spirits from the shallow seas to ensure safe mermaid hunting for the locals, illuminating the era's rich culture and mystical practices.

The character designs in this series are meticulously created with pencil and rendered in Procreate software and Photoshop CC software. The project aims to revive lost cultures through a fusion of imagination and historical references sourced from academic literature, paintings, and sculptures of neighboring countries associated with the lost culture.

To authentically reconstruct the lost civilization of Balhae, Ziwan Li extensively researched historical descriptions, geographical studies, and neighboring societies, delving into customs, religious practices, military strength, and climate conditions of nearby regions like the Tang Dynasty, Khitans, Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla.

Despite the scarcity of surviving artifacts and detailed contemporary accounts about Balhae's culture, Ziwan Li overcame formidable challenges to create a credible representation of its vibrant society. The project not only imbues aesthetic appeal and functional storytelling but also adds a sense of historical weight and a touch of poetry to it.

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