Pipa (Loquats)c. 1888–89 · Study 1999.6

Context from the museum

The loquat is a plant native to China that produces a juicy, yellow fruit in early summer. The artist may have intentionally extended the branches beyond the paper to emphasize the abundance of fruit. Xugu’s subjects of flowers, goldfish, and loquats express wishes for abundance and wealth, and must have appealed to his patrons. Xugu gave up his career as a military official during the Taiping rebellion (1850–64) and became an itinerant monk who painted for a living. He spent the later years of his life in Shanghai and his fame as an artist is associated with that city.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

Xugu inscribed his painting on the right, dedicating it to a Mr. Youshan. Two additional inscriptions by other writers were added later, each time the painting changed owners.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected painting measurement for Pipa (Loquats) is 52.2 cm wide and 112.6 cm high, equivalent to approximately 20.6 × 44.3 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.46:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.59 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 17.4% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 123.9 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Pipa (Loquats) in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 52.2 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?