Welcome to xiang li art
Celebrate the Power of Women
Step into the world of empresses who defied the odds and shaped history. Uncover the strength, wisdom, and elegance of women who still inspire us today.
As seen in
We published a book!
Released in 2025 and created by Xiang Li and Fei Wu, this stunning 188-page full-color volume features over 200 uniquely reimagined Chinese empresses, painted by Xiang Li using traditional watercolor techniques and crushed gemstones on silk. A project 12 years in the making, this collection honors the power, beauty, and complexity of women in Chinese history. The book and artwork are now showcased at major museums, educational institutions, galleries, and communities across the U.S., bridging cultures through art and storytelling.
Freshly Picked from Our Blog
Six Pieces I Use, Not Just Admire: Living With Xiang Li’s Empresses
Xiang Li in Artists Magazine: “The Empress of Silk”
From Ithaca to Imperial China: Power, Trust, and the Choices That Shape a Dynasty
Sharing and Preserving Traditional Chinese Watercolor Art
A digital and traditional experience brought to you by master artist Xiang Li
About Xiang Li (artist)
Xiang Li is an internationally acclaimed artist who specialized in the reproduction and restoration of ancient Chinese paintings at the Forbidden City of Beijing, China, where she worked as a Master Artist for 37 years. Li’s most recent collection, Chinese Empresses, features over 200 empresses painted with gemstone watercolors on silk and has been showcased at the Harvard Museums, Worcester Art Museum, JMAC, Cambridge Library, Tower Hill Botanical Garden among others.
Events and Exhibitions
A short reel we created to show you how we engage with our community through art. To learn more about our events, exhibits and festivals, visit the Event page below.
Shop Our Merch
Find art prints, wearable art, and more! Help preserve the stories of Chinese empresses, decorate a corner of your sacred space, and share a story with your friends and loved ones.
Merchandise
New merchandise to get you outside growing.
Our Mission
Art is love. Spread more love.
We believe art is love. Let’s make art accessible and enjoyable to more people.