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Keeping the Silkworms Warm

Jun Wu

1880

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

chinese_orthodox_school Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Interior

Dominant colour

Keeping the Silkworms Warm is a 1880 paint by Jun Wu, a chinese_orthodox_school work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Jun Wu
When & what style?: 1880 · chinese_orthodox_school
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows women tending silkworms on bamboo mats. Warm candlelight glows under the mats. The women’s faces are lit by flickering flames. This was part of an album about silk-making in the 1800s. Silkworms needed constant heat to survive. Workers had to check them at night to keep the right temperature. This scene feels quiet and close-up. See it at the Victoria and Albert Museum.