WORLD CULTURES : ASIA

Object Name: WATERCOLOUR PAINTING ON RICE PAPER - CHINA
Description: This watercolour painting on rice paper represents a court scene possibly ‘Poker Game Announced by Jin Yuanyang’ in Chapter 40 of ‘Dream of a Red Chamber’, a famous 18th-century Chinese novel authored by Cao Xueqin. Being able to interpret the painting itself is an intellectual test that educated elite children in China are expected to be capable of as evidence of showing their awareness of literary masterpieces. The scene’s architectural details—such as open lattice windows, decorated screens, and intricately patterned furnishings—reflect the elite domestic environments typical of late imperial China. The painting depicts elaborately dressed seated women engaged in intellectual pastimes such as playing a stringed instrument, most likely a Guqin, and a game with tiles/ tablets, possibly Mahjong or Pai Gow. These ladies are being waited on by domestic servants. The Chinese script at the top of the painting indicates the maker of the painting.
Catalogue Number: BELUM.C5991
Notes: National Museums NI

National Museums NI holds over a million objects in the collection, as well as this we manage the records and associated images for each object through a working database. The national collection has been almost 200 years in the making, and we recognise that thinking about collecting and collections has evolved over this time and continues to evolve. As a result, some of our records may contain language and views that we now consider offensive and unacceptable, for example, reflecting racist attitudes. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to reviewing and updating our records accordingly. Working with researchers, communities and academic partners we are learning more about the stories behind objects, and we are committed to sharing these with our audiences. We welcome feedback. Please email [email protected]