Cabbage and Insects 13th century

Here we have Cabbage and Insects, an ink on paper artwork by Xü Daoguang, an artist from the Song Dynasty who lived in China between 1200 and 1299. During the Song Dynasty, artists often used their art to convey personal experiences and social issues. This period saw the rise of literati painting, where artists, often scholar-officials, emphasized personal expression over strict realism. In this serene painting, Xü uses ink to depict a cabbage and a praying mantis in great detail. At first glance, the painting is a quiet observation of nature. On closer inspection, the choice of subject reveals the artist's identity and social concerns. Cabbage, a staple food, can be viewed as a symbol of the everyday lives of the common people. The praying mantis symbolizes patience and precision. Xü is perhaps commenting on the virtues of the common people. His work represents the everyday through the lens of the social and the natural.