Painters of the Ch'ing Court
Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Framed 18"x24"                                                                           ( Original is Color and Ink on Silk; size: 69"x37" , Wallscroll )

This set of twelve paintings depicts, with a spicing of imagination, activities which typify each month of the lunar calendar. It bears no signatures but is plainly a work of the Ch'ing dynasty academy. Judging from the style it is a collaborative effort by painter T'ang Tai, Ting Kuan-p'eng and other painters of the Ch'ien-lung court (1736-1796).

Chrysanthemum became widely admired among the men of letters ever since the nature-poet T'ao Yuan-ming ( 365-427 ) expressed his love for the flower. As it comes into full bloom in the ninth month of lunar calendar, the main activity of the month is to hold meetings for showing and appreciating chrysanthemums. Throughout the centuries, many different methods and techniques for cultivating the flower have developed and chrysanthemum lovers would bring their objects to the flower show mutual admiration and enjoyment.

This painting depicts the scene of such a chrysanthemums show. Choice specimens in pots are well arranged in the garden and some are being brought in by boat. Both men and women are engaged inleisurely enjoying the show. And far away in the field are seen people out picnicing with food and wine ; another major activity of the month, mountain climbing.