Artwork
Duck Boat
Duck Boat is a paint painting by the Chinese Orthodox School artist Unknown. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Duck Boat is a painting from a set of 50 works depicting various boats on the Pearl River. It showcases a specialized vessel used for duck-raising, a common occupation in the region.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a duck boat, a long, low vessel with a covered cabin, where ducks emerge from side hatches. These boats served as both homes and transport for duck farmers, who lived on them and raised the birds.
History & Provenance
This work was part of a series mass-produced as souvenir items. The Pearl River delta, where the painting is set, was described by Lord George Macartney, the first British ambassador to China, as being densely populated with boats of all sizes.
Context
Duck-raising was a significant livelihood for the Pearl River delta population, with these boats being an integral part of their daily lives, equipped with small stoves for cooking.
Artist & collection
