Zong-Zao Zhao began his studies in printmaking in 1950 and subsequently worked as a teacher and an artist at the Zheijiang Institute of Fine Art in Hangzhou, China. His woodcuts have been shown in many countries and, as well as the Queensland Art Gallery, his work is represented in the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Zong-Zao Zhao's work demonstrates a debt to Chinese traditional folk art and calligraphy. In subject it depicts rural activities or relates to the illustration of books and may also allude to political events in China. The work Planting beans has been hand-coloured and shows a lyrical response to this activity.