Artwork
A Dumpling Seller
A Dumpling Seller is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Puqua. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Dumpling Seller is a painting from a series of 100 works depicting various occupations in Canton, created by the artist Puqua in the 1790s.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a street vendor in Guangzhou carrying a wooden yoke with baskets of steaming dumplings, his face worn from years of labor, offering a glimpse into daily life in 18th-century China.
Technique & Style
The work is one of a set of small, detailed paintings intended to illustrate the customs and trades of the region.
History & Provenance
The series was commissioned for European audiences curious about Chinese culture and daily life.
Artist & collection
