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Photograph by Jean Vong, Rubin Museum of Art, 2013.
Human Embryology (chapters 1 & 2)
Photograph by Jean Vong, Rubin Museum of Art, 2013.
Photograph by Jean Vong, Rubin Museum of Art, 2013.

Human Embryology (chapters 1 & 2)

OriginChentsa, Amdo region, Northeastern Tibet (Jianzha, Qinghai Province, China)
Artist Hua Khar active 1990s, Qinghai Province, China
Date1995-1996
Dimensions55 7/8 x 43 1/4 x 1 1/4 in. (141.9 x 109.9 x 3.2 cm)
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin Private Collection
Object numberC2014.9.5
DescriptionThis painting depicts the conception, formation, and development of a human being. It begins with a depiction of the consciousness of a previous life entering the female body during intercourse. It is followed by remarkably detailed illustrations of the week-by-week development of the fetus through its three main developmental phases, named the fish, turtle, and pig stages. At the bottom are illustrations that present the recognition and means of changing the sex of an embryo, signs of labor, and some practices surrounding childbirth, such as the cutting of the umbilical cord, birthing positions, and post-partum dietary advice.
Not on view