Artwork Page for Dominoes

Details / Information for Dominoes

Dominoes

骨牌圖

1736–95

China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period

(1736–95)
Medium
Woodblock print; ink on paper
Measurements
30.5 x 30.9 cm (12 x 12 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2025.104
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Woodblock printing in color reached a height in China in the 1600s to 1700s. The prints were executed by means of sets of separate blocks, each carved to print a different color.

Description

In the 1600s, printing flourished in such Jiangnan cities as Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huizhou, evolving from privately enjoyed illustrated books printed in color to more commercialized single-sheet color prints that were hung on walls and became part of the rich urban visual culture.
A square woodblock print on aged paper features a spiraling game board outlined in black ink. Along the perimeter and an inner spiral path, rectangular domino tiles alternate with robed figures with medium-light skin tones, many holding red flowers. At the board’s center, a square panel depicts a man and woman standing beneath Chinese characters. Muted red and light orange accents color the garments and floral elements throughout the composition.

Dominoes

1736–95

China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)

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