Artwork
A Fortune Teller
A Fortune Teller 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 Fortune Teller is a painting from a series of 100 works depicting various trades and occupations in 18th-century Canton (now Guangzhou), created to cater to European curiosity about Chinese life.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a fortune teller in traditional bright robes, holding cards for a nervous young client. A small monkey, symbolizing luck, peeks from her sleeve, highlighting the superstition surrounding her profession.
Technique & Style
While specific artistic techniques are not detailed, the work's existence within a large, thematic series suggests a blend of observational detail and standardized composition to efficiently convey occupational themes.
History & Provenance
Originally part of a set for European audiences, the painting is now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, reflecting the historical exchange of cultural curiosity between East and West.
Context
Created during a period of heightened European interest in Chinese culture, this painting served as a visual document, offering glimpses into daily Chinese life and professions for a foreign audience.
Artist & collection
