Bidspirit auction | Peony,by Wu Changshuo

Peony,by Wu Changshuo - Wu Changshuo (1844–1927), originally named Jun, with the courtesy name Changshuo (by which he was later widely known), and pseudonyms such as Fou Lu and Ku Tie, was a native of Anji, Zhejiang Province. He was a master of painting, calligraphy, and seal carving in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, as well as the first president of the Xiling Seal Society. His art synthesized strengths from various traditions. In calligraphy, he excelled in seal and clerical scripts, drawing inspiration from the Stone Drum Inscriptions. His brushwork was vigorous and forceful, forming a distinctive personal style. In painting, he focused primarily on bird-and-flower subjects, excelling particularly in depicting plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, chrysanthemums, peonies, and lotuses. His works are characterized by bold, heavy ink application and bright, intense colors, pioneering a new direction for the ”Shanghai School” of painting and exerting a profound influence on modern Chinese art. In seal carving, he integrated poetry, calligraphy, and painting into his compositions, breaking away from conventions established since the Qin and Han dynasties. His knife technique was powerful and expressive, with compositions that were daring and unconventional, earning him the reputation as a ”titan of seal art.” Throughout his life, he produced an extensive body of work, including published collections such as Fou Lu Ji and Fou Lu Yin Cun. His artistic philosophy emphasized ”painting the spirit, not the form,” highlighting the fusion of natural inspiration and personal emotion. He remains a landmark figure in the history of modern Chinese art.