Ding Liangxian

Ding Liangxian was a prolific artist documented as being active for over seven decades, spanning the period from 1662 to 1736. His documented output consists primarily of prints focusing on natural subjects, still life, and seasonal illustration.

The enduring artistic importance of Ding Liangxian is established by the representation of his work in significant institutional holdings, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Five prints are documented in these collections, suggesting the artist’s proficiency in detailed, reproductive graphic arts.

The works represented in museum collections emphasize studies of flora and fauna. Notable works include seasonal themed compositions, such as The Last Three Months of the Year, and animal studies like Magpies and Bird on hibiscus. The artist also executed refined still life subjects, exemplified by Pomegranate in a bronze vase and Summer basket: lotus, pomegranate and day lily.

Surviving examples of Ding Liangxian prints provide valuable primary source material for the study of late 17th and early 18th-century graphic traditions. Given the age of the original artifacts, much of the artist’s work is now accessible in the public domain, often reproduced as high-quality prints for collectors and educational institutions.