Artwork
Soaking the Cocoons
Soaking the Cocoons 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.
About this work
Overview
Soaking the Cocoons is a painting from an album documenting the silk industry. It depicts a crucial step in silk production.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows workers soaking cocoons in hot water to soften the sericin gum holding the filaments together, preparing them for reeling.
Technique & Style
The artist focuses on the hands of the workers and the bubbles in the water, omitting faces and backgrounds, and renders the cocoons with careful detail.
History & Provenance
The album containing Soaking the Cocoons is now held at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Artist & collection
