Mulan and Art History: Opening Credits and Traditional Chinese Ink Painting

Opening credits of Mulan

The animation of the opening credits of Mulan (1998) is one of the most beautiful that Disney has made in my opinion. Artists borrowed from traditional Chinese ink painting to begin the movie. It’s so artfully done.

Bada Shanren, Landscape, 17th century, album leaf, ink and color on paper

Still shot of Mulan's opening credits with landscape

Mulan and Art History: Traditional Chinese Ink Painting

Traditional Chinese ink paintings often employ fluid brushwork to convey strength and beauty. To me, it looks like artists were looking to artists like Chan Buddhist painters like Muqi or Bada Shanren because of the quick, minimalist way the ink is “painted” on the screen. It’s similar to these artists’ approaches, even in the bold black ink contrasting with the lighter ink wash. (Chan is also Zen in case you’re interested!)

Persimmons, attributed to Muqi (Chinese, active 13th century), ink on paper, hanging scroll, made originally in China, Collection of Daitokuji Ryokoin Temple

Mountains, rivers, and misty paths could symbolize inner journeys in Chinese landscape art. It seems like Disney artists could have used it to mirror Mulan’s own epic and internal journey.

Opening title of Mulan

What do you think? Are you a fan of Mulan’s opening credits? Do you want to see more posts about Mulan and Art History?

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You can see this as originally posted on my Instagram account for World Princess Week 2025.