The lavish period drama Flourished Peony, which promises a rich dive into Tang Dynasty culture, has found itself at the center of a heated controversy over the unauthorized use of makeup and styling concepts. The drama, led by stars Yang Zi and Li Xian, has been accused of borrowing designs directly from the research book Chinese Makeup Bundle (Tang Dynasty) without proper authorization.

The Allegations: A Case of Uncredited Inspiration

Flourished Peony tells the story of He Wei Fang (Yang Zi), a merchant’s daughter who starts a business cultivating peonies with the help of Jiang Chang Yang (Li Xian). The production team invested heavily in creating costumes and styling that align with Tang Dynasty culture. However, Zuo Qiu Meng, the author of Chinese Makeup Bundle (Tang Dynasty)—a book that reimagines the beauty trends of Tang women based on historical artifacts and records—noticed striking similarities between his work and the drama’s designs.

Zuo took to social media to express his concerns, stating, “It’s not right to blatantly copy my work like this.” He pointed out that the hairpins and floral forehead makeup (Huadian) on certain characters, such as Zhang Ya Qin’s, were nearly identical to the illustrations by artist Mo Chun featured in his book. While Zuo allows his work to be referenced for non-commercial purposes, he believes the drama’s production team should have sought authorization for commercial use.

The Production Team’s Response

In response to the allegations, the Flourished Peony production team issued an official apology on January 13, admitting to their oversight. They explained that the drama’s styling team had mistakenly treated the book’s speculative academic diagrams as historically verified artifacts. “We deeply apologize for this error,” the statement read.

The team emphasized their respect for Tang Dynasty history, explaining that they consulted multiple experts, referenced various artifacts, and conducted extensive research during production. They expressed gratitude to Zuo Qiu Meng and artist Mo Chun for their contributions and hoped the series would encourage viewers to appreciate the rich culture of the Tang Dynasty.

Zuo Qiu Meng’s Take on the Controversy

Zuo acknowledged the production team’s apology and praised their quick and respectful communication. He stated, “The styling team of Flourished Peony likely referenced my work out of admiration.” While he commended their constructive response, Zuo also highlighted the importance of establishing copyright awareness from the outset. He speculated that the production team might have been misled by a middleman consultant who resold his content for profit—an issue he has faced in the past.

Zuo also urged creative teams to foster proper collaborations, ensuring that original creators are credited appropriately, and warned against the repeated cycle of “malicious infringement.” Despite the controversy, he expressed hope that the incident would serve as a learning opportunity for all involved.

What’s Next for Flourished Peony?

The controversy has sparked a conversation about copyright ethics in the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to blending academic research with creative storytelling. Fans are now eager to see how the drama addresses this situation moving forward.

With its stunning visuals, intricate costumes, and rich storytelling, Flourished Peony aims to transport viewers to the Tang Dynasty. However, the spotlight on this controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the intellectual contributions of researchers and artists in the creative process.