While poets condensed the prosperity and upheavals of the Song over 300 years into verses of varying lengths, with flamboyance and melancholy, Dai details the passion, sentiments and timeless romance embodied in these lines with an elegant, conservative palette. Audiences will find these artistic qualities in his depiction of young women enjoying spring scenery, derived from Yan Shu's verses, or "of the burgeoning streets bustled with people in celebration of Chinese New Year", inspired by Wang Anshi's verse.
Dai's paintings are also a feast for fashionistas of classical outfits, hairstyles and accessories. He is attentive to the various ways women of different social ranks dress: those from well-off families wear towering hair buns to impress, while common girls favor low hairdos for the convenience of domestic work.
