Lot Essay
Wu Changshuo (also Wu Changshi) was a native of Anji in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province. His original name was Junqing, and his zi were Changshuo and Changshi. He came from a strong literati background and was well-trained in classical learning. A renowned poet, calligrapher, painter and seal-carver, Wu was particularly famous for his flower paintings. His powerful personal style owes a great deal to his profound knowledge of the archaic scripts and calligraphic styles as found on bronzes and stones. He also drew his inspiration from painters like Xu Wei, Zhu Da and Dao Ji, and was directly indepted to Ren Bonian for his instruction in painting and his help in launching his painting career at age thirty.