Shanghai Girls

The images of May and Pearl that grace the covers of calendars are a recurring motif that symbolizes their shared identity and the Bond of Sisterhood. As previously mentioned, a sisterly connection that endures for a lifetime is a rarity in traditional Chinese culture. Even rarer is the notion of siblings who are both so attractive that they can pose professionally for an artist. Although Mrs. Chin is initially scandalized by her daughters’ side job, she eventually comes to appreciate the notoriety they receive as “the beautiful girls” (265). The sister’s bond is intensified not only in their role as artist models but in their role in artist Z.G.’s life. Pearl develops a crush on the painter while May has an affair with him. The bond is sealed when May’s affair results in the birth of Joy, whom Pearl agrees to parent and raise as her own.

The cover girl motif reappears toward the novel’s end when Z.G. uses his favorite models to inspire magazine covers depicting the new Communist China. Old Man Louie enjoys seeing his daughters-in-law during their prime. They awaken a sense of nostalgia in the old man for his homeland: “‘You’re still beautiful girls.