Pu Qua is an artist whose exact biographical details, including birth and death years, are not well-documented in historical records. The artist is believed to have been active during the late 18th century to the early 19th century. Pu Qua was a Chinese painter who is best known for his depictions of Chinese people engaged in various occupations and daily activities. His works are primarily categorized under the 'export art' genre, which was art created specifically for Western traders and visitors to China during the Qing Dynasty. This art form was meant to cater to Western tastes and often featured subjects that were exotic to Western eyes.
Pu Qua's work is particularly distinguished by a series of illustrations he produced in collaboration with the British diplomat and amateur artist George Henry Mason. This collaboration resulted in the publication entitled 'The Costume of China,' which was released in London in the early 1800s. The book offered hand-colored plates of Chinese subjects, drawn by Pu Qua, with explanations by Mason. These illustrations provide valuable insights into Chinese society and culture at the time, as they capture a wide array of social classes and occupations, from the street vendor to the noble scholar.
Despite the importance of his work, little is known about Pu Qua's life beyond his contributions to 'The Costume of China.' He is often seen as an enigmatic figure in the history of Chinese art, primarily recognized for his contribution to the understanding of Chinese customs and culture by the Western world. His illustrations remain sought after by collectors of Chinese export art and continue to be studied for their historical and cultural significance, as well as their aesthetic qualities.
