Fruit Plate
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.The luxurious arrangement of fruit in this print serves up a visual pun, as the seeds (zi) in the open pomegranate are homophonic with the character for “son.” The fruit therefore symbolizes the wish for male offspring to ensure the family line over generations. The print’s palette of pastel pink and green resonate with that of contemporary porcelain.
The Ding Family Workshop is known for using seven or more color woodblocks to produce prints rich in ink tonality and chromatic diversity. The print’s visual interest is further enhanced by the “blindpressed” embossing technique that raises portions of the composition into low relief.
The Ding Family Workshop is known for using seven or more color woodblocks to produce prints rich in ink tonality and chromatic diversity. The print’s visual interest is further enhanced by the “blindpressed” embossing technique that raises portions of the composition into low relief.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fruit Plate
- Artist: Ding Family Workshop (Chinese)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: ca. 1700–1750
- Culture: China
- Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 11 3/4 x 14 in. (29.8 x 35.6 cm)
Overall: 15 3/4 x 21 3/4 in. (40 x 55.3 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line:
On loan from the British Museum-Bequeathed by Sir Hans Sloane
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art