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The Knick-Knack Peddler

Su Hanchen

National Palace Museum

National Palace Museum
Taipei, Taiwan

A knick-knack peddler and his assistant are pulling a one-wheel cart laden with all sorts of objects and have arrived at a courtyard. Young children scramble about and cannot wait to get and play with the toys. One eagerly brings coins, another has lost his shoe in the rush, and two are fighting over a toy neither wants to give up. Raucous sounds and actions fill the scenery that has been remarkably rendered true to life, representing a joyous and happy mood that harks the arrival of the knick-knack peddler. Many kinds of toys, play weapons, musical instruments, lacquer boxes inlaid with mother of pearl, daily sundries, and scented pouch trinkets are found among the peddler’s goods; it seems that not a thing is missing. The children wear fancy clothing and are adorned with longevity and jade pendants that are all exquisitely rendered.

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  • Title: The Knick-Knack Peddler
  • Creator: Attributed to Su Hanchen (12th c.)
  • Rights: National Palace Museum
  • Support: LOCKK2A003723N000000000PAA
  • Dynasty: Song dynasty
National Palace Museum

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