Wen Zhengming (1470-1559), Zhen Shang Zhai (Studio of Appreciation), Ming dynasty (1368-1644), dated 1549. Handscroll. Ink and colour on paper. Height 36.0 cm, Width 107.8 cm. © Shanghai Museum

Wen Zhengming (1470-1559), original name Bi, is also known by his zi (designated name) Zhengzhong and hao (literary name) Hengshan. A native of Changzhou (nowadays Suzhou, Jiangsu province), he was renowned for paintings of landscape, flowers, bamboo, and orchid. A student of Shen Zhou, he developed his own style later. This painting depicts the studio of his friend Huaxia. This scroll, one of his representative works, was painted in the 28th year (1549) of the Jiajing reign when the artist was 80.