Illustration
Murmurs of the Lost
This illustration marks the beginning of the story, as Alvi, one of the main characters, follows rumors to the Buzhou Mountain in search of Tian-ren’s corpse.
Illustration
Portrait of the Mother Goddess
This illustration, designed in the dimensions of a Chinese painting scroll, depicts an idealized portrait of Tian-ren. The flowing ribbons symbolize the human womb, while the sleeves suggest female genitalia, highlighting Tian-ren’s role as... More
Illustration
The Chasing Shadow
In this intense scene, Alvi finds herself in a life-or-death confrontation as she journeys back to the capital. On her path, she encounters the queen’s soldiers—humans twisted and controlled by the spores of the Tian-ren’s body. Their minds and... More
Illustration
The Dissection of Tian-Ren
This piece presents a stark contrast to the previous sacred portrayals of the Tian-ren. Instead of an idealized, divine form, the body of a celestial being now laid bare for study. The once-revered Tian-ren is dissected on a ritualistic platter,... More
Illustration
The Queen's Mirage
The owner of the golden eye finally reveals herself as the young ruler of the country. At the grand unveiling of the Tian-ren’s corpse, the queen orchestrates a spectacle of awe and deception. Using hallucinogenic spores, she conjures a mirage of... More
Illustration
The Renegade
After confirming the existence of the Tian-ren’s body, Alvi quickly returns to the capital to resume her duties. Though a loyal member of the Queen's secret police, she has grown tired of being a pawn in the game of power. Amid the chaos... More
Illustration
Washi Tape Designs
These looping Washi tape designs bring elements of the Dust of Buzhou series into functional art. The top design features a dynamic pattern of a bird chasing the sun, symbolizing the eternal pursuit of power and freedom. Hidden within the pattern... More
Work by
Caden Zhang
Illustration, Concept Art
“Dust of Buzhou is a series of narrative illustrations set in a war-torn Eastern land, where humans uncover the decayed corpses of their Mother Goddesses, Tian-ren. These beings, once worshipped as...” [More]