This first volume of Chinese Animation explores the meaningful impact of Chinese religion, philosophy, and aesthetics on 20th-century animation in China. It establishes a foundation in traditional Chinese art, design and intellectual concepts to analyse animated films and features. The focus is on the ink-wash painting style, its artistic evolution, spiritual significance, and the transformation of natural energies (qi 气) into painted images, concepts that have profoundly shaped China’s cinematic animation. The films that receive specific attention are Where is Mama? (1960), The Cowherd’s Flute (1961) and Feelings of Mountains and Waters (1988).

Thomas Paul Thesen has dedicated over two decades to the study and practice of art, animation, and image-making. His expertise spans illustration, drawing, photography, and moving images, with significant professional experience as a character animator and visual development artist for prominent studios, including Pixar, DreamWorks, and Sprite Animation Studios. In addition to his professional achievements, he has accumulated extensive teaching experience, contributing to university programs across Asia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.