MASTERWORKS OF SHANGHAI SCHOOL PAINTERS FROM SHANGHAI MUSEUM COLLECTION (C)

In the mid 19th century, Shanghai was developed into a blooming metropolis in China, and became the cultural and art centre of Southeast Asia. This led to the rise of the Shanghai School, or "Haipai" (Sea School), which was the most influential school
of paintings at that time. Although "Haipai" was a deprecatory term used by the later "orthodox" artists in criticizing the commercial nature of the paintings of this school and their lack of adherence to traditional styles, they were very open-minded and bold to break through tradition, and yet simultaneously seek inspiration and support from traditions, open up a wide range of new subject matter and brush techniques, and introduce folk arts and Western elements. The masterworks from the Shanghai Museum collection included in this catalogue are those by Zhu Xiong, Fei Danxu, Zhang Xiong, Wang Li, Zhou Xian, Ren Qi, Ren Xiong, Hu Yuan, Xu Gu, Zhu Cheng, Zhao Zhiqian, Pu Hua, Qian Hui'an, Gu Yun, Fei Yigeng, Ren Xun, Wu Jiayou, Wu Shigui, Wu Tao, Ren Yi, Wu Changshuo, Wu Gyxiang, Wu Xingyun, Gao Yong, Lu Hui, Ren Yu, Ren Xia, Huang Shanshou, Ni Tian, Wang Zhen and Cheng Zhang, to mention a few.