AS one of the most expected exhibitions in town, «Collection and Connoisseurship of Painting and Calligraphy of Wu Hufan» is on display at Shanghai Museum through March 13.
The exhibition features about 113 ink-wash paintings as well as calligraphy works from the Tang (618-907 AD) to the Qing (1644-1911) dynasty and boasts 24 pieces considered «national treasures.»
Born in 1894, Wu was hailed as a master ink-wash painter, calligrapher as well as a principal collector of Chinese ancient paintings, calligraphy and antiques, largely inherited from his grandfather, renowned painter Wu Dacheng.
The spotlight of the exhibition is the works of two artists of the Northern Song (960 AD —1127) Dynasty — the calligraphy written by Mi Fu (1051-1107) and the painting by Guo Xi (1000-1090).
«Wu is one of the founders of painting and calligraphy appraisal,» Shanghai Museum Director Yang Zhigang said.
«Plum Scenery Studio,» one of Wu’s most recognized works, refers not only to the extensive collection of ancient masterpieces at his home in Suzhou, but is also a nod to the love story between Wu and his wife, Pan Jingshu, who shared his passion for art and was a fellow painter and author of many love poems, but died tragically of appendicitis in Shanghai in 1939.
A documentary introducing the life experience of Wu is also showing at the museum.
«We hope that visitors will have a better understanding of Wu and his achievements through this exhibition,» Yang said.
Date: Through March 13, 2016, 9am-5pm
Venue: Shanghai Museum
Address: 201 Peoples’ Ave
Source: www.shanghaidaily.com