Song of the Twelve Months in the Tune of the Tea Picker’s Song

ca. 1700–1750
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This print illustrates the three winter months of the ballad “Song of the Twelve Months in the Tune of the Tea Picker’s Song” in three stacked-up scenes. The lyrics and imagery of each scene are based on a popular drama. This new type of printmaking catered to the tastes of urban audiences.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Song of the Twelve Months in the Tune of the Tea Picker’s Song
  • Artist: Ding Liangxian (active first half of the 18th century)
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Date: ca. 1700–1750
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 13 1/4 x 10 13/16 in. (33.6 x 27.4 cm)
    Overall: 22 x 16 in. (55.9 x 40.6 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: On loan from the British Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art