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Magpies and Prunus

ca. 1700–1750
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 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
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art