Artwork
Man Selling Salted Cabbage
Man Selling Salted Cabbage 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
Man Selling Salted Cabbage is a watercolour painting created by Puqua in 1790, depicting a scene of everyday life in Canton. The work is one of a series of 100 paintings showcasing various occupations and trades from the region.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a man engaged in the humble task of extracting salted cabbage from a basket, with a bucket nearby. The focus on a mundane, labor-intensive activity highlights the artist's interest in documenting ordinary working life in Canton.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the painting features soft shading, creating a calm atmosphere. The use of chiaroscuro (strong contrasts between light and dark) adds depth, while the subtle blurring of the subject's face lends a sense of realism.
History & Provenance
Acquired from Parsons & Sons, the painting entered the collection in 1898. Its provenance was confirmed during a 2022 research project reviewing the Asia Department's registers.
Context
As part of a larger set of 100 occupation-themed paintings, Man Selling Salted Cabbage provides insight into 18th-century Canton's social and economic fabric, capturing the era's everyday working practices.
Artist & collection
