Wu Changshuo (1844–1927), 1915 Republic Period, Ink and Color on Paper “Red and White Peonies” Hanging Scroll

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 124 cm × Width 33.5 cm (approx. 48.8 × 13.2 inches; approx. 4.1 × 1.1 feet), Early 20th Century，Condition and Provenance: Original antique mounting. The paper surface remains intact with clear brushwork and stable colors. Natural signs of age are visible on the paper, while the silk mounting and wooden scroll ends are well preserved. Overall in good condition. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USA.Description: This work is a flower painting hanging scroll by the modern Shanghai School master Wu Changshuo, preserved in its original antique mounting and representing the classic literati freehand flower-and-bird painting tradition. Painted on white xuan paper, the composition features red and white peonies arranged in a vertically extended composition with a bold and elegant structure. The upper section presents several red peonies, layered with rich crimson tones, creating full and vibrant blossoms with refined variations of color and depth. The lower section depicts white peonies outlined with light ink and softly colored, creating a pure and graceful contrast. The leaves are rendered in Wu Changshuo’s expressive freehand style, with powerful ink tones enhanced by blue-green washes and simplified vein details. The branches are executed with strong, forceful strokes in dark ink, displaying the distinctive influence of seal-script brushwork and the artist’s monumental style. At the upper right, the artist inscribed a peony poem in his characteristic calligraphy, signed “Yi Mao year, second month, Anji Wu Changshuo.” The calligraphy is vigorous and dynamic, carrying a strong archaic bronze-inscription aesthetic, perfectly complementing the painting. Three artist seals are impressed beneath the inscription, with an additional seal at the lower left corner. The peony theme symbolizes wealth, prosperity, beauty, and good fortune in traditional Chinese art. Through the integration of painting, poetry, calligraphy, and seals, this work fully represents the artistic character of the Shanghai School and Wu Changshuo’s mature style.

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