Artwork

A Pipe Maker

A Pipe Maker, by Puqua, paint, 1790
A Pipe Maker, by Puqua, paint, 1790

A Pipe Maker 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 Pipe Maker is a painting from a series of 100 works depicting various occupations in Canton.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a craftsman shaping a wooden pipe in his shop, his face partially obscured by shadow as light illuminates his worktable.

Context

The series was created to satisfy European curiosity about daily life and trades in Canton, China.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of a larger set, other works from which may be associated with the artist Puqua.

Artist & collection

Artist

Puqua

Puqua (b. 1790) was a Guangzhou artist.