Born into an aristocratic family, Shen Zhou received rigorous training in literature, painting and calligraphy. He was thus able to travel extensively and to learn from the rich collection of paintings in his family, which laid the foundation for Shen Zhen’s achievement in painting and calligraphy. With beautiful brushstrokes, the flowers fastidiously painted by Shen Zhou in boneless style come alive. He inspired the later painters such as Chen Chun, whose grandfather was acquainted with Shen Zhou.

Important works of flowers by Shen Zhou are in various museum collections, including Peony in the Palace Museum in Beijing, Daylily and Sunflower in National Art Museum, Album of Sketching from Life in the Nationa...