Title
Skeletonized Peepal Leaf
Object Type
Creator
Date
19th century
Description
A skeletonized peepal leaf (Chinese, 19th century) painted with a floral cluster, carrot, and insect at center and surrounded by a floral garland. Brought to the U.S. by Robert Pruyn around 1860, Pruyn served as the Minister to Japan shortly after the opening up of the country. The painted decorations are similar in style to the decorations on the Perry memorabilia Rose Mandarin porcelain, signifying it as very rare. The leaf is housed in a double plexiglass frame.
Peepal trees are common throughout India and sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Peepal leaves soaked for up to a month and then dried were used for writing in India before the invention of paper.
Peepal trees are common throughout India and sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Peepal leaves soaked for up to a month and then dried were used for writing in India before the invention of paper.
Cultural Origin
Chinese
Medium
painted peepal leaf
plexiglass frame
Extent
8" x 7"
Collection
Source
Gift of Mrs. Burton Tremaine, 1981.
Identifier
PSNC.10162
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.