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Magpies and Prunus

Ding Liangxian Chinese

ca. 1700–1750

Not on view

In China magpies are seen as messengers of joy and are often shown in pairs, while “prunus” is homophonic with the character for “eyebrows.” Together the two motifs form a rebus on the set phrase “Joy up to one’s eyebrows,” which has been inscribed in the upper left corner by the artist Ding Liangxian.

Magpies and Prunus, Ding Liangxian (active first half of the 18th century), Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, China — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Xishangmeishao

Title: Magpies and Prunus

Artist: Ding Liangxian (active first half of the 18th century)

Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)

Date: ca. 1700–1750

Culture: China

Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Dimensions: Image: 14 3/4 x 11 15/16 in. (37.5 x 30.4 cm)
Overall: 21 3/4 x 15 13/16 in. (55.3 x 40.1 cm)

Classification: Prints

Credit Line: On loan from the British Museum-Bequeathed by Sir Hans Sloane

Accession Number: PI.032

The Met

Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.