Wu Changshuo

Wu Changshuo (1844–1927) was one of the most important artists in late Qing and early Republican China. He excelled in painting, calligraphy, poetry and seal cutting, known as the “Four Perfections”. His paintings, especially flowers and fruits, adopted strong brushstrokes from calligraphy, forming a vigorous and unrestrained style. He combined seal-carving techniques with painting, creating a new artistic form that deeply affected later generations. As a leader of the Shanghai School, he brought new vitality to traditional Chinese art and was highly respected at home and abroad. Many later painters, including Qi Baishi, were deeply influenced by his artistic ideas and creations.