Print of Xu Gate and the City Moat

胥門護城河畔圖

1736–95

This object has related works. See

Southeast China, Suzhou, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong reign

(1736–95)

Medium

Multicolor woodblock print; ink and color on paper, printed in black, later hand colored, possibly in Europe

Measurements

Diameter: 24 cm (9 7/16 in.); Sheet: 27.8 x 30.3 cm (10 15/16 x 11 15/16 in.)

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2025.85

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Location

Not on view

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

Designed with an innovative perspective, as if the viewer is looking at the scenes through a camera lens, this round print shows the scenery and arch of Xu Gate, part of the city wall, in the west of Suzhou. The location was traditionally frequented at the lantern festival during New Year celebrations in early spring. The print thus combined multiple selling points: it could be sold to locals as New Year prints, as souvenirs to tourists, and as curious images of China to agents from overseas.