The Knick-knack Peddler and Playing Children

This is a painting of a peddler with his portable knick-knack stand, on which are displayed various vessels, jars, cups, and dishes. The jars with an attached scoop contain sweets, drinks, or iced fruits, and suspended from the canopy are scented pouches and ornaments. The two ladies to the left have brought along children, one of whom cannot seem to wait and has already arrived to engage with the peddler. The peddler’s carrying pole is actually comprised of two water buffalo horns entwined with a pair of hornless dragons facing each other, similar to the motif of two dragons chasing a pearl. The rendering is exceptionally refined and adds a strong decorative element to the painting. This album leaf painting is not signed, but the gentle and beautiful lines along with the delicate coloring suggest a work later than Su Hanchen and from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) instead.