Artwork
A Mat Seller
A Mat 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 rectangular watercolour painting from 1790 portrays a mat seller in a traditional setting, part of a larger series documenting various trades in Canton.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, dressed in blue and white attire, is engaged in meticulously crafting a woven mat, highlighting the artisanal aspect of the mat-selling trade in 18th-century Canton.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the piece features neatly stacked mats made of thin strips, wrapped with rope, and detailed straps on finished products, showcasing the artist's attention to the trade's specifics.
History & Provenance
Acquired from Parsons & Sons in 1898, the painting's provenance was reaffirmed through a 2022 research project, as recorded in the Asia Department registers.
Artist & collection
