Artwork Description

Title: A golden silkworm sheds its shell and opens a hundred riches
Artist: Shi Jinsong 史金淞
Date: n.d.
Medium: Installation
Dimensions: 11.8 x 6.3 x 5.1 in & 11.2 x 7.5 x 6.1 in (30 x 16 x 13 cm & 28.5 x 19 x 15.5 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
This striking installation, A golden silkworm sheds its shell and opens a hundred riches, by Chinese conceptual artist Shi Jinsong, presents a trio of gilded vegetal forms that simultaneously evoke nature’s transience and cultural symbolism. The work is composed of cast natural materials, rendered in brilliant metallic tones to capture the essence of transformation and prosperity.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Shi Jinsong is known for his critical and playful engagements with tradition, consumerism, and the art world. This piece reflects his unique approach: taking everyday organic forms—in this case, cabbages or silkworm cocoons—and elevating them into objects of sculptural opulence. The use of gold resonates with notions of wealth and historical Chinese symbolism, while the form itself subtly references metamorphosis and renewal, central themes in both Daoist and Buddhist philosophy.

3. Historical Context
Created without a dated attribution, this work likely aligns with Shi’s early 21st-century practice, during which he explored the intersections of material culture, artisanal craft, and socio-political commentary. The Title: references the life cycle of the silkworm, a creature long intertwined with Chinese imperial and economic history, while also gesturing toward modern consumer desire and economic ambition.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The work is in very good condition. The surfaces exhibit intentional textural contrast and retain their original gold-toned finish. No restoration or structural intervention is noted.

6. Artistic Significance
This piece is emblematic of Shi Jinsong’s broader oeuvre, which combines wit, cultural memory, and material experimentation. Through the transformation of natural forms into luminous sculptural artifacts, he reimagines Chinese heritage for contemporary audiences. It is a compelling example of postmodern East Asian installation art, blurring the boundaries between humor, critique, and craft.