The Work of Palace Maids

Curious about the behind-the-scenes life in a Chinese palace? The Work of Palace Maids offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily grind of palace life. From pounding and grinding to spinning and sewing, this painting beautifully captures the rhythms of these essential tasks. Notice the grace of the palace maids and how their movements—whether with heavy pestles or delicate silk—create a dynamic and interconnected visual story. It’s a vibrant testament to the artistry found in every corner of palace life.

Tang Dynasty (618-907) Zhang Xuan. Colored, silk scroll. 37cm*147cm. Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, USA.

This piece is compiled from the Chinese edition of Three Thousand Years of Chinese Painting by Foreign Languages Press and Yale University Press, translated by Chen Ying.