Wu Changshuo, Momei Book
Wu Changshuo, a famous calligrapher, painter and seal carver in modern China, was the first president of Xiling Seal Society.
"Momei Book" is one of the representative works of his artistic career, created in 1906 (Bingwu year). Size: 36.5cm× 24.5cm×10 (per open size). Format: Album, 10 folios.
Wu Changshuo's "Ink and Plum Album" pays attention to the density and precision of the composition, and the plum branches are bold and varied, forming a diagonal oblique trend, which enhances the dynamism and momentum of the picture. The shape of the plum blossom is concise and full of charm, and the layering and three-dimensional sense of the plum blossom are expressed through the change of the shade of ink.
Wu Changshuo paints with the pen of the seal, the pen and ink are hearty and vivid, full of gold and stone. He practiced with the pen Lao Xian, with a degree of virtuality and reality, steep opening and closing, and magnificent momentum. The outline of plum blossom branches and the dotting of petals show his profound brush and ink skills and deep understanding of the characteristics of plum blossoms.
Although the title is "Ink and Plum Album", Wu Changshuo skillfully uses the change of dry and wet shades of ink in his works, so that the picture is not only rich in the layering of ink, but also fresh and elegant. At the same time, he skillfully uses pastel color in some parts, which contrasts with the ink color to make the picture more colorful.
The "Ink Plum Book" has a total of ten openings, each of which is painted with a different form of plum blossoms, and is accompanied by Wu Changshuo's inscription poem and inscription. These inscriptions not only express Wu Changshuo's praise and love for plum blossoms, but also reflect his philosophy of life and artistic pursuit. For example, poems such as "A little Luofu snow turns into spring in the world" are full of poetry and philosophy.
Wu Changshuo's "Ink Plum Book" is one of the representative works of his artistic career, showing his unique artistic style and profound artistic attainments. This work not only has high artistic value, but also has a profound impact on the development of modern Chinese flower and bird painting.
On December 6, 2015, at the "10th Anniversary Autumn Auction" held by Beijing Poly International Auction Co., Ltd., "Momei Book" was sold at a high price of 8.625 million yuan, which fully reflects its market value.
Wu Changshuo's "Ink Plum Book" not only has an important position in the Chinese art world, but also has attracted the attention and recognition of the international art world. This work is of great significance for the dissemination of traditional Chinese culture and the promotion of artistic exchanges between China and foreign countries.
As one of Wu Changshuo's masterpieces, "Ink Plum Book" is cherished by many art institutions and private collectors. It has been exhibited in many important exhibitions at home and abroad, providing the audience with the opportunity to appreciate and study Wu Changshuo's art.
To sum up, Wu Changshuo's "Ink Plum Book" is one of the treasures of his artistic career, and has become a classic in the history of modern Chinese art with its unique artistic style and profound cultural connotation.
