Pipa (Loquats)

In 19th-century China, loquats meant luck and plenty—artists often painted them for merchants who wanted to show off their success.

You see a small tree branch heavy with golden loquats, leaves curling at the edges.

The fruit spills past the paper’s edge, as if the painting can’t contain it all. In 19th-century China, loquats meant luck and plenty—artists often painted them for merchants who wanted to show off their success. Xugu left the military to paint full-time, trading swords for brushes.

If you like this quiet abundance, look up *Qing dynasty (1644-1911)* next.

Pipa (Loquats) is a painting depicting a branch laden with loquat fruit and leaves.