Watercolor and ink on paper, hanging scroll, featuring still life painting of fruits and flowers, signed and attr. Wu Changshuo (Chinese, 1844-1927), inscribed with 2 artist seals, 99 x 49 cm, Wu Changshi was a seal carver, painter, and calligrapher. Wu was born into an academic family, and began writing poems and carving seals at a young age. Wu did not start painting until the age of 30, at the encouragement of Ren Bonian. Combining bright colors and sharp contrasts with bold, simple brushstrokes, he created a unique style, and became particularly well known for his bird-and-flower paintings. In addition to his work as a painter, he dedicated most of life to studying seal engraving, and wrote several important books on the subject. He learned seal carving from the Zhe and Anhui schools, and was influenced by the stone carving of the Qin and Han periods. His unique approach to art, later known as the "Wu style," was inspired by traditional calligraphic techniques, and his compositions were often accompanied by poetic inscriptions.

All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.