Fantasy tales inspired by the Chinese xianxia, wuxia, and xuanhuan genres have long been popular in manga and literature. Set in China or an alternate universe with many similarities, fantasy inspired by Chinese history and culture continues to serve as an inspiration for countless artists, and you’ll see many illustrations on pixiv borrowing elements from it. And it’s no wonder—combining such rich cultural and historical context with the fantastical gives birth to spellbinding worlds that undoubtedly will continue to inspire creators for generations to come.

Take a look at the following illustrations and marvel at the gorgeous use of colors, intricately designed outfits, and magnificent architecture!

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To act in a manner that hides one's true feelings and true nature is referred to as "putting on a mask". There are many situations in which people are unable to reveal their true selves. What is hidden under the mask? Why do we wear them? Seeing a character don a mask stirs our imagination in a number of ways.

Very rarely seen without his mask, Meta Knight (from the Kirby franchise) remains a character full of mystery and intrigue.

Have a peek at the masked individuals below and see if you catch a glimpse of what lies beneath. 

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