Xia Tongguang (1909-1968) was from Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. After his graduation from the Art Department of Nanjing University in 1935, he taught at various institutions. When teaching at a film studio, he started making cartoon pictures. In 1948 he went to America to study film art. He became an Associate Professor in the Block print Department of the Central Art Academy in 1949.

Xia was known for his block prints and illustrations for which he was awarded a number of prizes.