New Year's Market in a Time of Peace-5 of 9

Ding Guanpeng entered the Qing dynasty court as a painter in the Yongzheng reign (1722-1735). This handscroll depicts the raucous scenery of an urban market during the Lunar New Year season. In addition to all kinds of vendors, there are peddlers with carriers on poles filled with goods plying the pathways and calling out what they have for sale. They are shown selling fresh fruits with two round connected containers of food on a pole. On top of one side is a board, on which are placed various fruits, foods, and dishes. Another peddler is shown with a bamboo carrier, his wares put on display and including various play weapons and masks to attract the children to come, look, and choose from. This is a representative example of the knick-knack peddler as seen in the Qing dynasty.