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.
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