As a leading painter during the early twentieth century, Wu Changshuo (1844-1927) was renowned for rejuvenating the art of painting flowers and birds by introducing an expressive, individualistic style more generally associated with literati painting. Born to a scholarly family in Huzhou, Zeijiang, Wu Changshuo became an imperial official in Liaoning before the eventual collapse of the Qing Dynasty.

He initially dedicated his artistic efforts to poetry and calligraphy, and also led the Xiling Seal Art Society in Hangzhou. In his thirties he began to paint, and it was only later on that he considered himself part of the Shanghai School of painters. Wu's art is positioned at the intersection of traditional and modern styles...