The hit Chinese historical TV series Flourished Peony, featuring prominent actors Yang Zi and Li Xian, has recently found itself at the center of a controversy involving accusations of unauthorized use of makeup and styling concepts. Zuo Qiumo, the author of Chinese Makeup Bundle: Tang Dynasty, claims that the show’s styling team used his work without permission, sparking a heated debate online.
The show’s official social media account issued a public apology on January 13, addressing the accusations. Zuo, who advocates for stronger copyright protection, confirmed in a statement that he has already been in communication with the production team and that the issue has been amicably resolved.
Zuo acknowledged that the styling team may have been inspired by his book, using it as a reference out of admiration. He commended the production team for their prompt response and open dialogue, describing their handling of the situation as constructive. “The styling team was likely inspired by Chinese Makeup Bundle: Tang Dynasty, and I believe they used it as a reference out of respect for the work,” Zuo said. “The production team has responded quickly and effectively, which I appreciate.”
Despite the controversy, Zuo noted that Flourished Peony is a well-produced series and expressed understanding over the misunderstanding. He urged the public not to label the series as “plagiarism,” as the production team had offered a reasonable explanation.
“I have personally faced multiple instances of malicious copyright infringement without any formal response in the past,” he continued. “This issue was handled appropriately, and I hope the show is not unfairly accused.”
Zuo also stressed the importance of establishing strong copyright awareness from the outset, rather than addressing it only after conflicts arise. He emphasized the need for creative teams to clarify their use of others’ works and ensure proper collaborations to prevent unauthorized use. “When drawing inspiration from someone’s work, it is vital to clarify the partnership beforehand and avoid allowing ‘middlemen’ to interfere,” he remarked.
The TV series, set against the backdrop of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), follows the journey of He Weifang (played by Yang Zi), a merchant’s daughter who teams up with Jiang Changyang (played by Li Xian) to form a group of artisans and investors. The show gained significant attention on social media this past weekend when discussions about its makeup and styling designs began trending online.
Zuo fueled the debate by posting stills from Flourished Peony on his social platform, comparing them to the makeup styles featured in his book. This comparison led to further speculation and controversy, prompting the production team’s apology.
In the apology statement issued by the show’s official social media account, it was acknowledged that the makeup and styling for some characters had been inspired by Zuo’s Chinese Makeup Bundle: Tang Dynasty. However, the production team explained that during the reference process, academic research diagrams were mistakenly interpreted as artifact restoration images, which led to the misunderstanding. The statement clarified: “We deeply apologize for this error and regret any confusion it may have caused.”
Zuo also emphasized that while his book can be used to promote traditional culture for public interest, any commercial use requires proper authorization. “The book is intended as a reference guide for ancient costumes, hairstyles, and makeup. While it draws from real artifacts, the designs themselves are speculative and meant for reference only,” he said.
With the issue resolved, Zuo and the Flourished Peony production team have both expressed their commitment to fostering better understanding of copyright laws and creative collaboration in the entertainment industry.
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