Amongst the Shanghai painters, Wu Changshuo’s works stand out for its strong ‘jinshi’ flavour. The Jinshi School traces its roots to the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1644-1911) interest in epigraphy found on bronze vessels and stone steles. Wu’s paintings were an extension of his mastery of seal carving and calligraphy. Pomegranates were typical of Wu’s many auspicious ‘still life’ compositions. Its fruit is a symbol of fertility while the character for vase ('ping') is homophonic with peace. Lychees on the other hand represent family bonding. With all the good wishes concentrated in this painting, it would have been a perfect painting to be hung up during weddings and the lunar New Year.
