16.5 x 16.5 x 16.5 in. (41.9 x 41.9 x 41.9 cm.) London, Tate, The Unilever Series: Ai Weiwei Sunflower Seeds, exh. cat., 2010-2011, p. 63, no. 47 (another unique ...

In the centuries since, from Vincent Van Gogh to Ai Weiwei, sunflowers have never bloomed far from modern art, bringing with them a rich symbolism as well as their celebrated splendour.

The sunflower seed is a complex symbol of Chinese culture. During Ai Weiwei’s childhood, sunflower seeds were often the only things saving families from starvation during famines. At the same ...