Composition in Celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival

Wu Changshi was one of the most prominent artists of the so called Shanghai School of painting and his works became a direct inspiration for a number of modern Chinese painters. Characteristic of his work is bold brushwork derived from archaic styles of calligraphy and a daring use of color. These were later continued e.g. in the work of the Beijing-based artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957). This small composition celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The inscription calls attention to the seemingly simple motives of a wine pot, freshly picked loquats or garlic, which all have a special function during the festive activities.