Artwork
Gathering ‘Lusang’ Mulberry Leaves
Gathering ‘Lusang’ Mulberry Leaves is a paint painting by the Chinese Orthodox School artist Jun Wu. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a painted panel taken from a larger album that documents the processes of silk production.
About this work
Overview
The work is a painted panel taken from a larger album that documents the processes of silk production. It captures a moment in which laborers—both men and women—are engaged in collecting the leaves of the fast‑growing mulberry known locally as lusang. The scene is set in a narrow lane, with daylight highlighting the workers’ hands and the vivid green foliage they harvest.
Subject & Meaning
The focus of the image is the gathering of lusang leaves, the primary food source for silkworms. By emphasizing the collective effort of the harvest, the painting underscores the essential role of agricultural labor in sustaining the continuous rearing of silkworms throughout the year in regions dedicated to silk manufacture.
Technique & Style
Executed in a clear, narrative style, the artist employs a restrained palette that contrasts the bright green of the leaves with the muted tones of the surrounding architecture. Light is rendered with subtle gradations, drawing attention to the texture of the workers’ garments and the delicate rustle suggested by the composition.
History & Provenance
The piece originates from a silk‑making album compiled for an audience interested in the industry’s inner workings. It is currently held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it forms part of a broader assemblage of visual records related to textile production.
Context
In silk‑producing districts, the lusang mulberry is prized for its rapid growth and abundant foliage, making it ideal for feeding silkworms year‑round. The painting reflects the agricultural practices that underpinned the economic and cultural importance of silk in the region, illustrating how everyday labor contributed to a globally valued commodity.
Artist & collection
